Monday, 29 January 2024
Stephen is born from a North West combination of Donegal and Leitrim and in this article he tells the story of Connection, Pride of Place, Philosophy and Journey.
Coming from a background steeped in the North West, Stephen Boyle tells a story full of connections, journeys, pride of place, and philosophy, summarized by his own powerful and impactful mission statement ‘To leave a sustainable legacy that will have every citizen in America with the Ability, Balance, Confidence, Desire and Explorative Nature to be Physically Active for Life. Through sport-sampling, I want Physical Literacy to be as commonplace and as expected as reading literacy and numeracy, and for students at every level of their schooling to move from merely surviving to actually thriving!’
Rooted in Donegal
As one of eight children born to John Joe Boyle of Mountcharles and a mother from Leitrim, my identity has always been intertwined with the rugged, beautiful landscapes of Donegal. Despite being raised away from its misty beaches and heathered hills, Donegal stands out in my heritage - a testament to the region's striking influence. Like the unwavering allegiance found amongst college alumni, the pride of belonging to Donegal is deeply ingrained in its people; a sentiment I've carried throughout my life. Having visited many times, primarily in recent years, each return to my cousins, aunts, and uncles in Mountcharles is a cherished pilgrimage, a reconnection to a simpler, familial way of life vastly different from my current one in West Hartford, Connecticut.
The original “Walk-Ons”
In 1985, I walked onto the Manhattan College basketball team, an experience I often liken to my father's journey from Ireland to the United States. Just as I stepped onto the court with determination to prove my worth, my father walked onto American soil, embodying the resilience and ambition of many Irish immigrants seeking to measure up in a new land. Little did I know that my journey would soon have me starting against the mighty Notre Dame in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden, a venue many consider the Mecca of college basketball. This moment was not just a personal triumph but a reflection of the courage and determination inherited from my father. Now, as I return to my alma mater filled with pride, I understand the deep sense of belonging and accomplishment my father feels when he returns to Donegal. Our stories, woven from dreams and determination, underscore the timeless narrative of striving for success in unfamiliar territories and ultimately finding our place to shine.
Life Across The Atlantic
My life in the States, where I reside in a quintessential New England town, is marked by its contrasts to the slow, familial rhythms of Mountcharles. My wife, Kerry, and I, both career educators, now dedicate ourselves to our growing non-profit, driven by a shared passion for nurturing children through sport and education. Our work, primarily operated from our home office post-COVID, focuses on social-emotional learning and reintroducing play into youth sports - a cause born from personal outrage and evolved into an international movement.
The 2-4-1 Philosophy: More Than a Sport
Our organization, 2-4-1, embodies our life philosophy that "Life's 2 Short 4 just 1 Sport." We advocate for a childhood enriched through play, creativity, and learning, rather than the premature professionalization seen in modern youth sports. Our approach has not only been welcomed in local communities across North America, been recognized as a model program by the Aspen Institute in Washington, DC, but has also found resonance globally, with recent expansions into underserved communities in Africa, marking a significant milestone in our mission.
Giving Back: A Global Impact
Having started our journey teaching in New York City and helping to run a camp for children with cancer during the summers, Kerry and I have always been driven by a commitment to inclusivity and service. This dedication has led us back full circle, serving children of all backgrounds, with recent initiatives in Nairobi, Kenya, and Kitwe, Zambia. These efforts are a testament to our belief in the universal language of play and the transformative power of sports, regardless of ability, geography or resources.
Future Aspirations and Donegal Ties
Looking forward, our aspiration is to continue expanding through strategic partnerships and collaborations. We aim to bring our model of sports sampling and physical literacy development to more communities, including – if we can find the right partners or supporters – Donegal, the land of our forebears. As a newly minted Irish citizen myself (I got my Irish passport during COVID), I cherish the prospect of contributing to the place that has so profoundly shaped our identities and values. As one of 85 first cousins (over half of which have Donegal roots), I could wish for nothing more than to be proudly doing 2-4-1 programming in Donegal!
A Call to Connect
As we hope to visit Donegal again in 2024, our hope extends beyond family reunions; we aspire to introduce 2-4-1 to a place that has been a constant source of inspiration and strength. For anyone interested in supporting or collaborating with 2-4-1, we welcome your connection and shared vision. Here's to a future where every child has the opportunity to play, learn, and grow, with the spirit of Donegal guiding our journey forward. (steve@241play.org or 241play.org)
Dún na nGall abú! Up Donegal!
It really is wonderful to see the impact that a member of the Donegal Diaspora has had around the globe, collaborating with so many, and showcasing how the lure and spirit of Donegal comes to the fore no matter where in the World work and life may take you.
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