My name is Joetta Clark Diggs and I am an Olympian, business woman, author, executive director and am excited about this blog that will introduce various topics that I find interesting. With the New Year in its infancy, many people are writing down resolutions that they may or may not keep. For my first blog, I have chosen not to focus on resolutions for 2014, but to reflect on 2013 and my thankfulness. I encourage you to do the same.
As a 1988, 1992, 1996 & 2000 Olympian I have traveled all over the world and impacted the lives of children, adults, fans and families. When I embarked on my journey to be the best in all endeavors of my life, I did not know that my God given talents would provide me with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. I soon fully understood the bigger picture not just the medals, money and media. I made it my mission to focus on the correlation between academics and fitness as it relates to our children. I also wanted to provide programs to the community addressing the overall obesity/wellness epidemic.
Thus in 2002, the Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation (J.C.D.S.F.) was formed to promote involvement in athletics and academics for girls and boys ages K–12. The foundation is committed to teaching good health, financial responsibility and positive work ethics. Boys & girls are also introduced to the various sports career opportunities in the sports & entertainment industry. So as the Thanksgiving season approaches I have many areas in which I am thankful and I would like to share this one with you.
Over the years, the Foundation has had the pleasure of providing programs to students throughout the Tri-State area because of the support of my many corporate partners. I appreciate their support and thank them for believing in me, the community and the future of our children. This statement is confirmed by their continued commitment to make my programs available to a vast array of students. No words can express the adulation I feel when I see the smiles on the many faces of the children and families who participate in the Head 2 Toe Fitness® Program, Fitness Challenge, Health & Wellness Expo and the Family, Fun & Fitness Program. Moreover, I am proud that the JCDSF can continue to bring joy, fun and results to those that participate in the various programs. During the last eight years The JCDSF has provided financial scholarships to students. We have awarded over $30,000 to students that we call, “Joetta Geniuses.” They have great minds, great community services and it is our hope that we help them to have great futures. These “Joetta Geniuses” inspire both my staff and I to work harder so we can continue to encourage and help make their dreams a reality. I have been blessed and it is very important for me to value my faith, my family, my friends and my future. So often, people get distracted and disappointed and forget that blessings are for everyone but not everyone stops to count them. I count my blessings, not only the ones that make me smile, but also the ones that bring me concern. However, throughout it all, I remember that I did not accomplish everything by myself.
The title of this blog is “Thankful & Making a Difference.” I encourage all of you to reflect on your blessings, think about things YOU are thankful for and what differences YOU are making not only in your life, but in the lives of others. I am thankful for my family and all of you because you are truly the wind beneath my wings, the inspiration behind my visions and the smiles that continue to breathe life into my visions.
