<iframe src=”http://www.aracontent.com/PrintSite/VideoDisplay.aspx?articleid=15790&videoid=189″ width=”250″ height=”184″ scrolling=”no” align=”left” frameborder=”0″ marginheight=”0″ marginwidth=”0″></iframe>(HIB) – Every two years, girls all over the world are captivated by the achievements of female athletes competing in the Olympic Games. Their successes inspire girls to try new things or pursue achievements they may not have thought possible. While not everyone wants to be an Olympic athlete, every girl should be encouraged to go for the gold when it comes to her goals and dreams.
Five-time Olympic medalist Veronica Campbell-Brown didn’t let anything stop her from pursuing her dream to compete in the Olympic Games. Through hard work, perseverance and dedication, she became the second woman in history to win two consecutive 200-meter track and field events at the Games. But she also knows she couldn’t have done it on her own. She credits her support team – family members, coaches and trainers – for inspiring her every day to achieve small victories, which led to her greatest achievements.
In the spirit of the Olympic Games, Campbell-Brown has partnered with Always(R), the leader in feminine care, to support the Always “Baton Connection” Facebook program, which celebrates the inspirational support system important in anyone’s life. On Facebook, Always fans can “Pass the Baton” to show their appreciation to those who inspire them. With this passing of a baton, the hope is recipients are inspired to do the same.
“I’m lucky to have strong female role models in my life who have always encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming an Olympic athlete,” says Campbell-Brown, who is a hopeful to compete in her fourth Olympic Games this July. “Whether it was a small victory or making it to the world stage at the Olympic Games, these women, like my mom, helped me reach my full potential and I can’t thank them enough.”
Campbell-Brown hopes to continue to inspire girls and offers the following tips to help them achieve their dreams like she did:
* Make a plan. Write down goals and brainstorm some smaller steps that will help achieve them. Don’t forget to celebrate the daily victories that happen on the road to the larger ones.
* Practice. Practice can help you learn, adapt and improve. Anything new may be difficult at first, so be patient. It will get easier.
* Track your progress. Every now and then, take the time to assess your progress. How far have you come? How far do you have to go? What could you change to be better tomorrow? Take the time to reflect, readjust your plan, and keep moving forward.
* Find a mentor. Coaches, mentors, teachers and trainers all exist for a reason – we need help achieving our goals. Find someone that you trust and who can give you guidance in achieving your goals and steering you along the right course. We all need a little inspiration sometimes, and your mentor can help to give you the push you need.
* “Pass the Baton.” We all have women in our lives who have inspired us at one point or another. Whether it is a mother, a sister, a friend or a teacher, take a moment to say thank you and “Pass the Baton” to thank the women who have helped you along the way. To “Pass the Baton” to an inspiring woman, visit and “Like” www.facebook.com/always and “Pass the Baton” to a woman who was a source of help, support or inspiration. If that woman is on Facebook, a notification will pop up to alert her that she has received an Always Baton. The Always Baton Connection Program is only available in the U.S. for girls and women 18 years of age and older and for girls and women 19 years of age and older in Canada.
Whether it’s running a marathon or even a goal to get up earlier in the morning, we all can aspire to achieve our goals and dreams. No one has to do it alone, and we all have someone in our lives who has inspired us. In the spirit of the Olympic Games, take a moment to recognize the people who believe in and support you.
