The 1st 365 Challenge 2 Change Champions – Team HODA

They say change doesn’t happen overnight… but they never said it can’t be created in a day!

On March 7^th, 2009 the first ever ‘Hoops, Opportunities, Dreams… in Africa’ (HODA) Basketball    Tournament took place, making 5 of my incredible friends the first 365 Challenge 2 Change Champions! The event was the brainchild of one of my closest friends and fellow rocket scientist, Len D’Mello, who thought that it was about time we started to create change. Speaking of time, Len wasted none of it; when he first told me about his idea in late January, he initially had it planned for mid-February. The switch to March was triggered by the fact that he knew just how much potential this opportunity had, and he didn’t want to squander any of it. He pulled together four of our closest friends who were of the same mindset; driven by the spirit that small changes can make big differences, and united by the slogan “Think Global, Act Local.” Lennox, Ninette, Falon, Rigel, & Karina became what’s now known as… Team HODA!

The day started off with the team arriving at Cawthra Community Centre an hour before the games began. I remember getting a call about a half-hour before tip-off where the excitement could be felt even 5000+ miles away from all the action! From 1:45-2:00pm the team scrambled around the gym setting up the sign-up table; getting the banners and rules up; welcoming people; and filling up the last few roster spots available. Way back in January, who would have imagined they would fill all 40-roster spots and have a WAITING LIST! As it neared 2pm, people started filing in and I remember the team telling me how surprised they were to see so many “unexpected” supporters showing up. CHANGE was already taking place my friends!

After majority of the players from the four pre-assembled teams arrived, the Fantastic Five (to be six when I get back) gathered everyone around the beautifully handcrafted HODA banner, where the objectives of HODA were briefly talked about. The first games began at 2:25pm, with players on both courts hustling right from the get go and those on the bench cheering and supporting their fellow teammates – keep in mind many were meeting players on their team for the first time. Then the 3-point Challenge shootout saw 35 players gunning it out for the champion prize pack – Fair Trade Tanzanian coffee, Jose Calderon Raptors T-shirt & a CB4 bobble-head doll. Family and friends cheered and danced to the music for 3 hours and in the end Royston’s All Stars won the basketball tournament, while Sunny (Madhur) Khanna won a nail-biting 3-point shootout. In the midst of all this fun more than $1100 was raised to support change efforts in Bongo, and countless minds were introduced to a proven hope that YES WE CAN make a difference.

Although huge change was created that day, the hard work began long before then. With most of the team juggling both school and work, their days were extended with hours of preparation for the big day. To meet their objectives of providing opportunities and opportunities for change; creating awareness of fair trade; and encouraging environmental responsibility and sustainability; all while organizing a huge tournament, the group took no shortcuts.

They spent hours creating collateral, designing banners, figuring out teams, communicating information with all involved, filling ‘opportunity’ bags, and searching for sponsors. Even now as the event goes down as a great success, the work still continues. I am currently in contact with the team and together we are brainstorming ways on how to use the money to create sustainable opportunities that will have an impact here in Bongo.

What they took were some truly bold steps towards change… the best part is, it was in the right direction!
So you’re probably wondering “What made these guys do it!?”
That’s a question I can’t answer, but they can… I introduce to you, ‘The Spark of Genius… LENius!’

Why I Chose Change!

Earlier this year (2009), a good friend of mine (Ryan C. J. Coelho) asked me a very common question – “What things do you have in mind to spread change around this world for 2009?” Unlike years prior, for some reason I felt that something had to be done, or at least started, because it was about time that I drop the attitude of depending on all those other non-profit organizations to help those in need! As global citizens it becomes our duty to support the objectives of such organizations in order to overcome global issues!  After 2 weeks of daily emails, from New Years Day 2009 onwards, Ryan and myself debated, discussed, and shared numerous ideas on helping people who lacked opportunities. Also, during this time, I came across an article on the African News website titled "Africa faces centuries of poverty", where it stated that this situation could last for another 200 years!! And even after the 23rd century, many people living in the African continent would only have access to the most BASIC needs! So one Sunday afternoon, as I sat in front of my computer, of course checking out the scores to my beloved Toronto Raptors, the idea of hosting a basketball tournament while raising awareness and maybe raise some, as I call it, $Change$ to Support Change, came to mind. I felt that basketball, or for a matter of fact any sport, would be an awesome way of bringing people together to support any cause.

Two things finally made me continue on with this idea. The first thing was this awesome sense of self-satisfaction I felt by only thinking about what kind of effect this could have. I can now only imagine what an amazing feeling it would be to actually see the outcome of this idea come to life and have it actually IMPACT someone in another part of the world who is struggling to make ends meet for himself/herself and their family.  As I ran this idea by my wonderful girlfriend – Ninette B. A. D’Mello – she was all up for it and pushed me to plan plan plan! Through the early stages of planning, there were no specific objectives in mind. As days passed, the research continued and I came across another article called "Poverty, Africa’s Modern Day Slavery" where I read the following statement, "In all these countries there is lack of financial resources and economic opportunities. There is lack of food and portable drinking water; there is lack of health, housing and accommodation facilities; there is the poverty of landlessness and employment. Access to education, health and other basic infrastructures is limited to just a few." This is when discussions with Ryan on the living conditions and job opportunities in Ghana intensified. Finally, after gathering all the information we thought of building awareness on Fair Trade, Think Opportunity not Charity, and Environmental Responsibility. Alas! H.O.D.A (Hoops, Opportunities, Dreams…in Africa) was born!

 

So why did my good friend Rigel decide to be a part of this? Well in the words of the man himself…

HODA! HODA! HODA!… the beginning of what seems to be an era of change in the lives of a small group of friends. It all began when one individual accepted a challenge to change and brought together his closest friends to achieve a common goal – think global, act local. ‘Hoops, Opportunities, Dreams… in Africa’ was not only a basketball tournament that brought together a number of talented athletic individuals, but also an opportunity to spread awareness on global issues such as fair trade and economic responsibility. It took over a month of planning; days of preparation; hours of team-work; and minutes of game time, resulting in a largely successful event that has left a significant impact on myself, and the rest of the HODA planning team. It was that impact that I envisioned being a part of when a good friend of mine, Lennox, mentioned to me that he wanted to organize a basketball tournament to raise funds and create opportunities in Africa. I have been blessed with many opportunities to make an impact in my community, in my university, and among my peers, but I have never faced an opportunity with such a considerable global impact; so immediately, without hesitation, signed on the dotted line. When I think about my motivation to accept this challenge to change, the inspirational words and actions of my friend Ryan, whose currently battling the elements in Ghana while fighting to make his global footprint, proved there was no better reason to join such a worthy cause.

Although I am currently fighting my own battles on the home front – as I attempt to conquer some career related exams – a passion was ignited inside me and I knew that I had to lend a helping hand and support my friends in bringing together the 1^st annual HODA tournament. It is a passion that continues to burn after the success of the event; as we come together and decide the best way to provide opportunities for our friends in Africa. My outlook is that my own personal obstacles are nothing compared to the obstacles faced by my friend Ryan and those around the world, and it has given me a new perspective on how to effectively balance those battles, obstacles and goals that I’ve set for myself.

 

So why did my younger sister Karina decide to be a part of this? Well in her case…

For sometime now, I have always had aspirations of travelling to Africa or any developing country in order to experience a day in the life of someone who possesses only the very basic necessities to get by. Being involved in the education sector for the past 3 years and having taught kids ranging in age from 1-8 years, I’ve seen how important it is to develop the skills and mindset of these children at such a young age. How awesome would it be to develop similar skills while giving children in developing countries a chance at obtaining an education! Although travelling to Africa to do this is a long shot at this point in my life, it surely isn’t going to stop me from exploring this opportunity in the future.

However, earlier this year my very own brother decided to host a fund-raiser basketball tournament. As his younger sibling I thought he was crazy, as usual! But as days passed I noticed his persistence and strong will to help and support the people in Bongo, Ghana. Regardless of having to juggle a hectic schedule, nothing stopped him from planning, and this motivated me too. It was then that I thought if someone from my own home and his crazy friends Ryan (in Ghana), Nin, Falon and Rigel have so much hope to help people in need, then I too could do something and offer the unique skills I possess! I was given the opportunity to be a part of something special. This is the one chance I had to contribute towards this global effort and I did not want to give it up at any cost, no matter what my other priorities were! So I joined the inspired and motivated members of HODA in the journey!  

 

So why did my girlfriend Ninette decide to be a part of this? Well, words from the woman herself…

To start off 2009 our close friend Ryan came up with a ’365 Challenge 2 Change’ initiative; it gave us the motivation we needed to take small steps toward making big changes in this world. Many months ago while having a conversation with Ryan, I mentioned to him how much I wanted to go away and join the volunteer organization ‘Right To Play,’ but because of the hectic schedules of daily life in Toronto it was hard for me to take time off school and work to go abroad. Ryan then made me realize that no matter how much or how badly we might want to contribute to change in this world, we should not think so much… but rather just do it! That’s a concept I had not really grasped until just recently when I realized that I don’t have to travel across the globe to effect change… I can do it right from home!

A couple of months ago my boyfriend Len and myself were reflecting on all the amazing work Ryan has been doing while he’s been in Africa. We were totally amazed at this guy’s strong will to go to a completely different world and try to help those who need it most. Len had mentioned one day that it would be nice if a few close friends could get together and play a friendly game of basketball in order to raise money for the people of Ryan’s village. The idea was that each player would give $5 in the hopes that by the end of it we would have about $100 max by the time everyone had contributed. As days went by, and through constant communication with Ryan, Len’s ideas started to expand into ways that we could make this a bigger event. It was not so much about raising the money anymore (although that would still be welcomed), but more so about making all our friends and family AWARE of the possibilities for change available in this world!!! As he brought his ideas to me I encouraged him to make them a reality and it was at this point I realized that this was also my opportunity to create some change in this world. Now I don’t have to just hope or depend on change coming from elsewhere, I can help initiate it and hope that it has a ripple effect with those who are made aware of its possibilities.

Over the course planning for what we hope is the 1st of many HODA events; we came across a few obstacles. One of our biggest concerns was being able to afford the expenses of hosting an event where 100% of what has been raised goes to the cause. Once we decided to open this event up to many other family and friends, we realized that the costs were going up as well. Len still stood strong saying that he wanted to do it the right way and not cut any corners; everything we purchased for this event was bought from Fair trade stores, and the sponsors and organizers were given T-shirts from the organization ‘Me2We.’ Overall though, we had a great support system for this event as people stepped forward to offer assistance emotionally, physically and financially!

Looking back at the event…Wow! It’s so hard to put into words how happy I am that the first ever HODA Tournament went so well! Actually, flawless I would say! The attendance for this event was 10 times higher than we’d ever expected it to be. Every time, a person would walk in, and then their moms and dads and brothers or sisters or cousins right behind…We were amazed each time. It’s almost as if the few of us were on cloud nine after this event! I feel satisfied that the people who attended are now at least AWARE of possibilities for change that are out there and I can only hope that they will make slight changes in their daily lives to make this world a better place.

 

So why did my wonderful cousin Falon decide to be a part of this? Well this is what she said…

There are a number of reasons that lead someone to bring about conscious change in their lives, as well as in those around them. Personally, my safari of conscious change began about 2 years ago with my visit to Kenya with the intention to touch lives and vice versa. Little did I know that upon my return to Canada, I’d be a source of inspiration in the lives of my family and friends too! It’s not everyday that the things that seem trivial or “all in a day’s work” to you, prove to be extremely moving in your neighbour’s life. In the last 24 months, I’ve struggled with finding a way to continue doing my part to help the world. It required me to reflect on my career, my social life, my family life, and my faith. Each of these areas underwent immense scrutiny and surely will be subject to much more for the rest of my time here. Having said that, post “Phase 1 scrutiny”, lead me to a major career change due to that unexplainable innate desire to do good and be happy doing it – something we all feel at some point, I believe. Folks, sometimes a career change just isn’t enough. Sometimes it takes someone close to you to go out and do something incredibly courageous and inspiring to bring you to realize your potential for change. If you’re REALLY lucky, like I am, you have more than just ONE of those people. A great friend Ryan took a step… heck… he took a LEAP of courage to fly to Ghana and spread his knowledge, enthusiasm, and love – and he’s BEing the BEst he can BE! Through reading Ryan’s blog, and a few conversations I had with him while he was in Ghana changing his world, I felt a stronger push to find a way to pick up where I left off and change my world again. Finally, that second someone in my life, my cousin, filled me in on his initiative to start “thinking globally, and acting locally” with a basketball fundraiser which came to be known as H.O.D.A – ‘Hoops, Opportunities, Dreams…in Africa.’ There it was, an invitation to change. As the rest of this blog details the event, I’d like to once again mention its success was thanks to all the special people who participated in making H.O.D.A a reality.

In the days and weeks following the event, it would be an understatement to say that I was simply overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude for such a success. The massive doors this success has opened for us evokes feelings I can’t put into words at this point. We were able to pool together great ideas to suitably begin utilizing the funds we raised. Interestingly enough, we learned about each other’s strengths, weaknesses, talents, creative ideas – things we may or may not have seen if it was not for opportunities to change, such as this particular one. I look forward to many more repeat successes for H.O.D.A in the years to come. I am very eager to see the fruits of this operation in action in Ghana. My hope is that our support grows everyday, every week, every year – until that cycle of poverty is no longer a viscous cycle. My gratitude and love goes out to everyone who participated, my special H.O.D.A team in Toronto (Lennox, Ninette, Rigel, Karina), my great friend Ryan currently in West Africa, as well as all the people who have been instrumental in encouraging me to bring about positive change and take on challenges I wouldn’t otherwise dive head first into – THANK YOU. I would encourage you to live with conviction, be excited to learn, discover yourself everyday, believe in good people, and… SMILE – it’s a great world we live in!

 

Finally, together as a team…with one voice…one hope…one goal:

There are still many challenges that the HODA team faces, but as a group we will overcome them; just as we have since the beginning. For instance, the initial challenge was trying to find ways to get the message across, be it by delivering a short speech; by organizing games that signified something; or having giveaways for those attending etc. Like always, obtaining financial resources was also a challenge we had to face! But none of this stopped us from pursuing our goals! Having to buy or make things for 20-30 people adds up. This is when a certain individual approached H.O.D.A. and offered their financial support (if required) for the tournament. This triggered the idea of sending sponsorship requests, and before you know it we had quite few individuals willing to assist us in our endeavour. Not only did the generous support of these individuals assist H.O.D.A. towards achieving its own objectives, but by carefully using the financial resources we were able to impact people, children and the environment – locally as well as globally!

Get together a group of smart, determined and passionate individuals, and it really doesn’t get any better than that. Looking back at the event, the gratitude and generosity shared by all our friends and family that came together to support us is something we will always remember, and when we think about what’s left to come, we just can’t stop envisioning the possible change my friends, and all present, have made; and how every little thing that we did, was one step closer to ending the cycle of poverty.

We as a team are a perfect example of how all of this started off as dream of making small changes, which then triggered us to explore different ideas on creating an awareness of on-going global issues. As our dreams became a reality, we are now continuously trying to discover new and innovative solutions that could end this cycle of dependency. Finally, we hope to inspire people along this journey by helping them realize that even the smallest of actions can make huge differences; even when measured on a global scale.

So it is with GREAT honour I award the 365 Challenge 2 Change Seal of Courage to Lennox, Ninette,  Falon, Rigel, & Karina a.k.a. Team HODA. This seal does not just symbolize the change they accomplished; it embodies the spirit of service, the dare to care, the courage to ‘take a shot’, the strength to hold on to hope, and the relentless persistence to take on the world, and their world… one step at a time. It is a simple, yet powerful reminder that amongst the trials and tribulations of life, together… YES WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Team HODA didn’t just show us this that day, but they continue to demonstrate this through their ongoing faith, actions, and inspiration. All leading to that simple fact that… no matter who you are… no matter where you’re from… no matter what you do… you will ALWAYS  miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! So let’s all join Team HODA and let’s get in the game and get going!

To All those who showed their support… 
We ‘Raised Fist’ Salute You! 

"What I do you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful".
                                                                                                  ~ Mother Teresa