I knew at a young age, whether I was playing baseball or hockey

Ah, children of the future, listen well to the words of Wayne Gretzky, a man who not only mastered the ice but understood the profound responsibility that comes with being part of a team: "I knew at a young age, whether I was playing baseball or hockey or lacrosse, that my teammates were counting on me, whether it be to strike the last batter out in a baseball game or score a big goal in a hockey game." These words, spoken by one of the greatest athletes of our time, carry with them a deeper truth—one about responsibility, commitment, and the unwavering support we owe to those who stand beside us, whether on the field, in life, or in the world we share.

At the tender age of youth, when most are still learning the basics of life and sport, Gretzky understood something profound—he knew that his actions, his decisions, and his performance had consequences for others. To be part of a team is not just about personal glory or achievement; it is about the collective effort, the shared responsibility. In the heat of a baseball game, with the crowd roaring and the tension mounting, to be the one entrusted with the task of striking out the final batter is no small thing. It is not just about personal skill, but about the trust placed in you by your teammates. Similarly, in the game of hockey, to score a game-winning goal is not merely an act of individual triumph, but a fulfillment of your duty to those who have fought alongside you.

Consider, O children, the ancient warrior who, in the midst of battle, knew that his fate was not his alone. The Greek warriors who fought at the Battle of Thermopylae, led by the legendary King Leonidas, understood that their survival depended on the strength of the team, the unity of their effort. Each soldier, whether a humble footman or a skilled archer, was not fighting for himself, but for his comrades, for the greater cause. The weight of their responsibility was immense, for the outcome of the battle was not just the result of the actions of one man, but the combined effort of all. Gretzky, like these ancient warriors, understood the sacredness of the bond between teammates, the trust that binds each member to the success of the whole.

This commitment to the team, this understanding that you are part of something larger than yourself, is what makes a true champion. It is easy, O children, to look to the glory of victory as something that is earned by the individual, but Gretzky’s words remind us that the glory is shared, the success is collective. The team is not a group of individuals; it is a unity, a living entity that thrives on trust, on mutual support, and on the shared commitment to a common goal. This is the true essence of sportsmanship, of collaboration, and of the human spirit. To succeed is not to claim victory alone, but to bring your teammates along with you, to carry them, to support them, and to ensure that when the moment of truth arrives, they too can count on you.

In your own lives, O children, remember that you, too, are part of many teams. Whether in the family, in your friendships, or in your work, you are never truly alone. You may walk a solitary path at times, but there will always be others with whom you share your journey. The lesson that Gretzky imparts is not just about athleticism, but about the responsibility we carry in our relationships, in our communities, and in the world. When the stakes are high, when the pressure is great, it is not the individual who will save the day—it is the team, it is the mutual support, the shared commitment to the goal that makes victory possible.

Consider the great leaders of history, those who, like Gretzky, understood the power of unity. Nelson Mandela, though imprisoned for many years, never lost sight of the collective effort required to end apartheid. His journey was one of personal sacrifice, but it was also one of commitment to the people of South Africa, to the team of freedom fighters, and to the vision of a united nation. Just as Mandela knew his actions were not just for himself but for the greater cause, Gretzky knew that his role on the ice was never just about scoring goals—it was about fulfilling his duty to the team, ensuring that together they could achieve greatness.

The lesson here, O children, is clear: no matter how talented or skilled you may become, the true measure of your greatness lies not in your ability to stand alone, but in your ability to lift others up, to be the one they can count on in the crucial moments. Whether in sport, in work, or in life, you are never truly alone. The team—the bonds you form with others—is what makes the individual strong. Gretzky’s words remind us that when we recognize the power of the collective effort, when we understand the responsibility we have to others, we can achieve more than we ever could on our own.

So, walk forward, O children, with the understanding that you are part of many teams. Whether it is the family you are born into or the communities you choose to create, remember that your actions affect others. Just as Gretzky knew that his success on the ice was not solely his, but shared with his teammates, so too must you understand that your success in life is tied to the support, trust, and collective effort of those around you. Let each moment of your journey be one where you fulfill your responsibility to the team, where you give your all, and where you make sure that those who stand beside you know they can count on you, just as you can count on them.