Welcome to Last Week’s Wins #6!
This week’s edition is slightly different from others. While the first two features fit the normal description of wins, the final win is a celebration of a life that was filled with wins.
Thank you for joining and sharing Win-Win-Win for another week!
WINS THIS WEEK
MARCUS RASHFORD CONTINUES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN IN NEED
BALL CORPORATION EXPANDS SUSTAINABILITY MOVEMENT
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE: DARYL GROVE
WHY THESE WINS MATTER
MARCUS RASHFORD CONTINUES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN IN NEED
In England, the title MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) is given to civilians who perform positive acts for society.
Marcus Rashford, MBE is living up to his title. When the 22-year-old isn’t scoring goals for Manchester United, he is constantly engaged in trying to help kids in need.
The UK government recently voted against extending free school meals through Easter 2021.
So, Rashford took to Twitter to transform his page into a directory of businesses and restaurants offering free meals around the country.
When athletes use their voices, there are always groups that push back. Marcus Rashford is usually the recipient of the Laura Ingraham, “Shut Up and Dribble” treatment from the British press.
However, athletes encourage other athletes to use their voices as well. Juan Mata, a fellow Manchester player, and Common Goal member backed his teammate’s efforts and intentions.
Rashford’s words and actions have meaning and impact. Below are excerpts from his Tweet that started the movement.
Put aside all the noise, the digs, the party politics and let's focus on the reality. A significant number of children are going to bed tonight not only hungry, but feeling like they do not matter because of comments that have been made today. We must stop stigmatizing, judging and pointing fingers. Our views are being crowded by political affiliation. This is not politics, this is humanity. We talk about the devastating impact of COVID-19, but if projections are anything to go by, child food poverty has the potential to become the greatest pandemic the country has ever faced.
I don’t have the education of a politician, many on Twitter have made that clear today, but I have a social education having lived through this and having spent time with the families and children most affected. These children matter, these children are the future of our country. They are not just another statistic and as long as they don’t have a voice, they will have mine. You have my word on that. - Marcus Rashford
The pandemic is creating problems worldwide. Rashford is taking things into his own hands by creating a support system through his own brand. His reach along with Manchester United and fellow Premier League athletes have arguably as large if not larger a following than the UK government.
BALL CORPORATION EXPANDS SUSTAINABILITY MOVEMENT
The former Pepsi Center in Denver, CO is now Ball Arena.
The name change is a piece of a partnership between Ball Corporation and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment that is focused on expanding sustainable efforts towards recycling at their venues worldwide.
Ball Corporation is based out of Colorado which heavily influenced the Kroenke decision.
“Ball Corporation is an ideal fit for that vision, an innovative leader that shares our commitment to our local community, to environmental sustainability and creating quality jobs in Colorado.” - Stan Kroenke, KSE Chairman
Ball Corporation’s main initiative is the Ball Aluminum Cup. Utilizing aluminum rather than plastic will reduce waste at entertainment venues. 75% of aluminum ever produced is still in use today. Ball Arena hopes to “create a closed-loop system for recycling by 2022” and to be 100% aluminum.
“Sports and entertainment venues have an amazing opportunity to engage, educate and inspire fans about how choosing and recycling aluminum is an easy way to make a more sustainable choice. We have the opportunity to introduce new and fun aluminum beverage packaging choices to visitors in a way that will have a lasting, positive impression on how people view their role in minimizing their own environmental impact.” - John Hayes, Ball Corp. President
Ball Corporation has activated its Aluminum Cup initiative at multiple large sporting events including Super Bowl LIV Miami which was completed in partnership with Bud Light.
Ball Aluminum Cup venues include:
Ball Arena (Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Mammoth)
SoFi Stadium (LA Rams)
Emirates Stadium (Arsenal FC)
Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Falcons)
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Dolphins)
Waste Management Phoenix Open
University of Colorado
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE: DARYL GROVE
The soccer community is grieving over the loss of a passionate voice in the sports content space. Daryl Grove was a British man who came to the United States and fell in love with American soccer. Daryl and a fellow freelance writing colleague, Taylor Rockwell, started the Total Soccer Show in 2009.
As the 2010 World Cup approached and went by, Americans started to get reacquainted and interested again in soccer. At the same time, Total Soccer Show (TSS) became the model for an engaging and authentic podcast and started gaining a following.
Many people over the years have listened, learned, and laughed with the pair. Taylor and Daryl found the perfect mix of soccer analysis, life skills, humor, and friendship. Their Parks & Recreation Starting 11 episode highlights their passion for their friendship and careers.
In January 2019, Daryl Grove was diagnosed with colon cancer. Last Thursday night, he passed away in his home. Throughout his fight, the soccer community came together to fight alongside Daryl.
We all know a lot of podcasts in 2020 and organic content that TSS produced is hard to come by. His passion and influence over his career will not soon be forgotten. I wanted to give a win this week to celebrate the life of Daryl Grove, a man who enjoyed every day and made sure that the people around him were taken care of and following their dreams.
Rest Easy, Daryl.
Marcus Rashford is just so impressive. I also love the new naming rights deal in Denver. Great post this week, Eric!