To laugh is to risk appearing a fool. To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. To reach out for another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk rejection. To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure. But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave. He has forfeited his freedom. Only a person who takes risks is free.

From the book Living, Loving and Learning by Dr. Leo Buscaglia

To be a giant. This has forever been our passion, this desire to be a giant Not to stand on one¡¯s shoulders or have one for a friend. Those these may be fortunate things. But to be one. Giants step over barriers that seem never ending. They conquer mountains that appear insurmountable. Giants rise above fear. Triumph over pain. Push themselves and inspire others.

To be a Giant. To do Giant things. To take Giant steps. To move the world forward.

Mexico, 1968

Out of the cold darkness he came. John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania entered at the far end of the stadium, pain hobbling his every step, his leg bloody and bandaged. The winner of the marathon had been declared over an hour earlier. Only a few spectators remained. But the lone runner pressed on.

As he crossed the finish line, the small crowd roared out its appreciation. Afterward, a reporter asked the runner why he had not retired from the race, since he had no chance of winning. He seemed confused by the question. Finally, he answered:

"My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me to finish."

From Celebrate Humanity series of Olympic Games

Another reaffirmation for myself not to quit the game.