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Great Community Through Service
8-Year-Old Inspired to Make a Selfless Gift
By Doug Elliott, Athletic Coordinator, City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department
“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.” – Nelson Mandela
Having a sense of responsibility is not reserved for those who reach a certain age nor is the ability to make a lasting impact on someone’s life a skill measured by a person’s size. I am of the belief that youth is the ideal time, especially through sports, for learning some of life’s greatest lessons. The size of one’s spirit can never be contained by the brawn of their stature. This exactly describes my friend Battle Goff, whose recent actions confirm that he has a clear understanding of how his efforts are important to not only himself but for his community as a whole. Battle, who observed the City of Columbia’s Miracle League program one Saturday morning after his soccer match, made his own decision to donate his upcoming birthday money to the Miracle League of Columbia. Battle recently turned 8 years old and proceeded to do just that – all $180.00 of it. I believe Mr. and Mrs. Goff are extremely proud of Battle, as they should be, and though that pride is evident on his face as well, I also see the unique attributes derived from sports that moved Battle to make his contribution. Even though he was watching special needs kids play a game, Battle’s athletic nature saw a group of fellow baseball players enjoying a sport just like he does. Sports are undeniably the most holistic barometer and reflection of community and if athletes like Battle Goff become commonplace, then the image viewed in that reflection will go a long way in making passionate dreams a worldly reality. 8-year-old Battle Goff presents a ceremonial $180 check to Doug Elliott.
