The ability to wait for something without getting frustrated is a quality trait to have when you have been counting down the days to a major event in one’s life.
Paige Bishop has been anxiously waiting for her chance to shine in the spotlight at the 2018 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games being held in Deer Lake this week.
The Deer Lake native, a 13-year-old Grade 8 student at Xavier Junior High, is a member of the host female basketball team that hits the hardwood for its first Games action today.
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Bishop is pumped about playing her favourite sport on familiar turf with family and friends, especially her two sets of grandparents, on hand to watch her play.
She spent the first half of the Games watching her friends from Labrador compete in male hockey and she joined her teammates as volunteers at the registration desk Wednesday before getting registered themselves.
She can’t believe it’s finally time to compete. The past few days have been hard on her as she anticipates having a blast on the basketball court and focused on playing her best but always putting fun at the forefront.
She has been playing basketball for three years now and enjoys being part of a team and working towards a common goal. She had tried her hand at gymnastics for a few years before making basketball her No. 1 thing to do outside of academics because she had more interest in the team concept than taking on an individual sport where she didn’t have the same connect.
She knows the Games is a special event where athletes from all over the province come together under one roof to display athletic ability, sportsmanship and spirt.
It’s the first time the Games have been held in her town since 2006 so she knows it’s a unique opportunity that a lot of athletes don’t get a chance to experience.
“People who couldn’t to make it to other parts of the island to watch our games they can make it here,” Bishop said of the benefits that come with being the host.
She’s only been immersed in sports for a handful of years, but she has learned a thing or two about life. She’s grateful for the opportunity to play a sport with her friends where she knows it will be time well spent regardless of what the scoreboard says at the final
She has confidence in her ability. She has faith in her team.
She believes an athlete can achieve anything if they set a goal and work hard towards making it real.
It might not be today or tomorrow, but she believes it can eventually happen as long as you never give up.
The waiting is over. She has her gameface on.
This girl believes so anything is possible once tip-off has happened and she has the home crowd behind her.
“I’ve been doing a countdown since I found out I was going to be in the Games,” she said. “I’m beyond excited and proud to be representing my town.”
