The Other Team's Bench

After a tough soccer game, one team lined up for the handshake, but one player did something extra. She walked over to the other team's goalie, who was sitting alone and upset after letting in the winning goal. She sat down and said, "You made some amazing saves today." The goalie looked up and smiled.

Being Friendly means being a friend to all, even people on the other side. It is easy to be friendly when you win. It takes real character to be friendly when you're competing, or when someone is having their worst day. That is when kindness counts most.

This week, say something encouraging to someone you are competing against. It could be in sports, in class, or in a game at home. Be the kind of person they're glad they played against.