Several individuals in more than one FSM state have recently stated that their state basketball team should not go to the Micronesian Games because they won't win a medal, so it is a waste of money.

There have been complaints that the girls can't play well so why bother to send them, that the boys are not ready to play at the Micronesian Games level, that if they don't win a medal that basketball (or other sport team) should not go to the next games.

There can be no doubt that people like victory and winners are popular, giving bragging rights to the island, state or nation they represent. We all want to see our athletes walk away with gold medals.

Unfortunately, more teams and individuals will loose than win. Sports teaches us many lessons, but many people fail to realize that perhaps the most important lesson is how to lose, not give up, continue on with life, and grow from the experience.

Legandary Green Bay Packer football coach Vince Lombardi is famous for his statement about how important it is to win. What most don't know is that he said the second greatest thing is to lie on the field defeated, but having given everthing, your best, in the pursuit of victory.

The Olympics does not talk about winning but about participating.

I know one basketball coach who tells his players that his definition of victory is "to do your best!" He says:

"If you do everything you can to prepare, with dedication, training and practices, and then you fail to make the victory stand; if you have given me your best, what more can I ask?"

Achievement and true victory come from dedication and not giving up.

As we approach the games, let us take a moment to tell our players that they should give us their best, then there can be no criticism. And this is the message that spectators need to understand.

Wishing athletes from the four FSM states, host country CNMI, Guam, Palau, Nauru, Kiribas and the RMI the best, and... see you at the Micronesian Games.