Few figures in sports have so effectively combined their personal athletic accomplishments with a larger social significance as Muhammad Ali.
Among Ali’s more memorable and inspirational insights is this:
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
Following in the footsteps of Ali, NFL hopeful and Holyoke native Harry Melendez has started the group I’m Running For Holyoke, which “focuses on community unity and improvement through individual improvement,” as the group’s Facebook page says. In this way, Melendez’ quest for a career in professional football benefits his community as well.
Runs happen most Sunday afternoons (check the group’s Facebook page for more info), and take place in downtown Holyoke, of course.
If you’re looking for an excuse to contribute to an empowering community event, or are extremely eager for the start of football season, or want to get in better physical shape for the upcoming academic year, or are ready to tackle that goal you’ve been putting off for far too long, join Melendez and the other members of I’m Running For Holyoke. Because as Melendez knows, and Ali noted, “impossible is nothing.”
