25 and Taking Over the World

One Month Milestone

2010-10-01T20:36:00.000-07:00

If you know anything about psychology, you may be familiar with the Stages of Change. I won't go into all of the details, but it outlines the different stages of change from thinking about change to actually committing to a change. I haven't quite hit the Maintenance stage of my stages, but I did hit a great milestone - my one month mark! What this means is that as of Monday of this week I have

Finding Pride in Red, White, and Blue

2010-09-27T16:02:00.000-07:00

It has been a little over a month since I returned from Singapore. It has been a month now that I have settled back into my routine. It has been a month to process everything from that incredible experience. The reason I wanted to write this blog is because I had a moment...I had a moment that really affected me. This moment happened a few weeks ago and the after-effects have resonated with me

7 days down...183 to go...

2010-09-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

So my last post outlined my new diet, lifestyle plan - the natural diet. The change officially began on August 30th and will continue for 6 solid months. So this week has been a bit tough, as I've gone to what I know: raw foods. Cutting out almost all processed foods was the easiest approach to this diet. Now I know this is almost impossible, but to ease into it, that was the easiest route. My

Going All Natural

2010-09-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

So I decided to continue blogging post-Singapore on the many adventures that come my way in the life of a former Young Ambassador. Now that I have returned it is time to start my routine again...except this time it will be a little different. I have decided to make a big lifestyle change, one that I am both excited and nervous about... One thing that people know about me is that some of my

My First Olympic Experience

2010-08-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

It has officially concluded. The closing ceremonies have taken place. The flame has been put out until the next Olympic event. It is time to reflect on my time here. It is time to identify the take-aways and moments that I will always cherish. My name is Erin Kennedy and I am the Young Ambassador for Team USA at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. I came into this role uncertain of what I

Five Days Remain

2010-08-22T01:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it is coming down to the wire with only five days remaining. The last few days have been super exciting with Team USA capturing a bit more bling for the count. Last night alone saw two golds, one silver, and one bronze. In the midst of the success there have been some personal records and some amazing cultural experiences. USA Booth As you may have read, I had a European and African

African Adventure

2010-08-18T04:42:00.000-07:00

As promised, I told you I would tell you about my African Adventure. I managed to visit a handful of countries, make friends, get a tattoo, try some foods, and have a ton of fun! Come along with me as we explore this great continent... Morocco We walked into the World Culture Village and immediately saw Morocco. Of course we needed to stop by in honor of our friend Hamza. In Morocco I learned

A picture may be worth 1,000 words, but a conversation is priceless…

2010-08-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

Today was an amazing day. I did not see any competitions. I did not attend any major cultural activities. I did not do anything out of the ordinary that would make this day particularly spectacular. Today I had a conversation. In fact, I had a few. These conversations were some of the best I have had since my time in Singapore. Meet the following members of Team USA… Lucas Sheridan – Wrestling

Team USA has been busy...

2010-08-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

Team USA has certainly been busy over the last few days. If you remember my last post I highlighted the great success of Kelly Whitley and Kaitlyn Jones. Many have followed in their footsteps and found success at the first ever Youth Olympic Games. Check out articles on the following athletes: 1. Kevin McDowell - Silver Medal in Triathlon 2. Celina Merza - Silver Medal in Fencing (Sabre) 3.

My European Experience

2010-08-16T03:04:00.000-07:00

In one day I was able to visit San Marino, Portugal, Monaco, Moldova, Sweden, and Norway. Where else could you do this other than the Singapore Youth Olympic Village? The World Culture Village is in the heart of the Village Square and consists of many booths dedicated to different cultures. Right now the countries being represented are from Europe. They will change every few days so that all

And the games begin...

2010-08-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well, we are approaching the second day of competition following the Opening Ceremonies that took place Saturday night. Within 24 hours Team USA has managed to medal...twice.... Opening CeremonyPicture this, Team USA all decked out in snazzy red polos and khaki shorts, looking classic. They gather on the hill outside the hall and take the first official team picture. Time to head to The Float at

WOWComes YOUth Ceremony

2010-08-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

Last night was the first official welcoming of the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to the Youth Olympic Village (YOV). The ceremony consisted of different performances, music, and of course fun! It took place in the middle of the World Culture Village, which consists of many booths dedicated to the countries of Europe. Athletes can walk around and learn all about these different countries,

Fasting with Hamza - My brush with Ramadan

2010-08-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

Every year the people of Islamic countries celebrate Ramadan. This is a month where they practice fasting as a way to appreciate those that are less fortunate. My dear friend, Hamza celebrates Ramadan in his home country of Morocco. This holiday happens to fall during this month. Hamza will be fasting for the entire time that we are in Singapore. As a way to support him and understand more about

Hannah Carson selected as Team USA flag bearer for inaugural Youth Olympic Games

2010-08-12T04:18:00.000-07:00

SINGAPORE - The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) announced today that track & field athlete Hannah Carson (Chandler, Ariz.) was selected as the Team USA flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. Carson was selected by the sport captains of the 2010 U.S. Youth Olympic Games Team, and she will carry the U.S. flag into the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 14.

Getting Settled

2010-08-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

After a solid night's sleep I was able to function normally. I woke up and met up with Fergus from Great Britain to explore the Youth Olympic Village on foot. We set out for a run at 8am and got in a solid 2.5 miles, which was good for not knowing where we were going. We met back up with a few of the other ambassadors for breakfast, which consisted of chicken curry, rice, and some amazing pumpkin

The journey to Singapore...

2010-08-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

Not too long after arriving at the airport I met up with a few of the other members of Team USA. We had a group of 33 athletes, coaches, and team officials departing from San Francisco on August 10th at 1:00am. We all quickly bonded and began our journey. 13 hours on a plane to Hong Kong was quite a hike. However, Singapore Airlines is by far the most enjoyable airlines that I've flown on.

Less than 24 hours...

2010-08-09T09:33:00.001-07:00

In less than 24 hours I will be sitting in an airport waiting to fly out to Singapore. When I was appointed as a Young Ambassador in January, the actual games seemed so far off. Now, it is August 10th and the games kick off in just four short days. So, throughout my time at the games I will keep everyone up to date as best I can. I will be taking pictures and telling you a story…the story of

A Girl's Hope - YOG Promotion

2010-07-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

Check out this inspiring, promotional video for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Singapore next month! Gave me chills!!!

18 Days To Go - What Do I Pack?

2010-07-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

A little over two weeks until the first ever Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. My oh my - what an experience! I'm not sure if I am truly ready for what this will actually be like...and I am not even competing! I cannot imagine what these athletes are going through as they prepare for an experience of a lifetime. So, what do I pack? - We're only two weeks away. Now I know what you're thinking,

Garland fencer, 16, to compete in first Youth Olympics Mona Shaito, 16, of Garland

2010-07-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome interview with Mona Shaito, a 16 year old fencer from Garland, TX. Mona will compete next month in the first Youth Olympic Games. Congratulations Mona and best of luck! http://www.dallasnews.com/video/dallasnews/local_state/index.html?nvid=415046&stry

Hometown Heroes...wait, is that me????

2010-07-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this article from my hometown newspaper, the Times News! Apparently it made front page with full color pictures... I think I'm blushing! Jim Thorpe native to represent U.S. at Singapore Games in August By JOE PLASKO jplasko@tnonline.com While attending Jim Thorpe Area High School, Erin Kennedy represented her school's sports teams, nicknamed the Olympians, on the athletic field.

U.S. Olympic Committee Announces Roster for 2010 U.S. Youth Olympic Team

2010-07-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

Article by: Lisa Ramsperger(719) 866-4805lisa.ramsperger@usoc.org COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) announced today its team members for competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, which begins with the Opening Ceremony on Aug. 14. The U.S. Team will include 82 athletes competing in 18 sports, the maximum number of qualified U.S. athletes. The

If I could eat the word 'obesity' to make it disappear, I would...

2010-07-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

I recently read an article that announced the obesity rates in the United States. There was one state with an obesity rate LESS than 20%. There was only ONE state out of 50 that was less than 20%. Congratulations Colorado, you may still have obesity, but you beat out 49 other states. I take a little bit of pride in this article since I live in Colorado. I was not born and raised here, but since

Life is like a seesaw - it is all in how you balance...

2010-06-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

Let me paint a picture for you, a picture of my life over the past five weeks... I have flown to three places in five weeks: Utah, Ohio, and New Jersey. I have worked five events in the last five weeks. I have had two visitors on two separate occasions (totaling four) in two of these weekends. I also still work a full time job, had a birthday, went to two concerts, worked out, and tried to keep

Falling in love all over again...

2010-06-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have had the great fortune lately to have experienced two incredible events that involve high school rugby. I recently attended both the National Championships for Boys HS/U19 and Girls U19 rugby in Utah, and the Ohio Boys' State Championship event in Columbus. Both of these events were played in Major League Soccer stadiums (Rio Tinto and Crew Stadium). These incredible venues house some of

Meet Erin Kennedy

2010-06-08T10:58:00.001-07:00

Be an inspiration to yourself and others...

2010-05-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

If you read my last post then you know I ran a marathon on Sunday. If you read my last post then you know that running that marathon was incredibly difficult for me, difficult and painful. If you read my last post then you know that running that marathon was one of the most incredible accomplishments in my short 25 years. What you didn't read in my last post was the ripple effect. Close your

I completed my first marathon today...

2010-05-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

I am officially home and on my couch. I don't plan on moving from here anytime soon. Today I officially completed my first marathon (http://www.thecoloradomarathon.com/). Not only did I complete it, I ran it...the whole thing... I woke up at 3:30am, feeling a bit sleepy but ready for the race. My mind was ready. My body...well we were going to find out if that was ready very soon. I entered the

My First Marathon

2010-05-08T11:50:00.000-07:00

Pre-RaceIt is Saturday at about 1:00pm in the afternoon. I'm waiting for my laundry to be done before grabbing some lunch and heading up to Ft. Collins for the evening. Tomorrow I will be completing my very first marathon. 26.2 miles awaits me starting at 6:00am in the morning. I figured it was necessary to blog about what this experience is like for me. I started an 18 week training program at

99 Days until the YOG

2010-05-07T08:06:00.001-07:00

Best Sports Memory

2010-05-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

Today I was answering some interview questions and one of the questions asked me about my favorite sports memory in relation to rugby. I answered the question with the time that I received 'Rookie of the Year' after only playing for 3 months. It was a fun moment for sure, but it definitely got me thinking about my 'favorite sports moments' overall. If you asked me to name you a favorite moment

Lights, Camera, Rookie Rugby Action!

2010-04-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

This weekend we will be filming a Rookie Rugby Coaching video for USA Rugby. Rookie Rugby is a youth version of rugby appropriate for kids as young as five years old. It is a fast, aerobic, and safe version of the game that keeps kids safe, active, and having fun. Rookie Rugby is appropriate for kids of all ages, shapes, and sizes. I'm thrilled to be filming this video for USA Rugby. The video

Cosmogirl.com Interview

2010-04-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Check out my recent interview with Cosmogirl.com! http://www.cosmogirl.com/blog/meet-youth-olympics-ambassador

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find Out What It Means To You....

2010-04-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

We are now moving on to the third Olympic value of respect. All of these values (friendship, excellence, and respect) all interrelate and coincide with one another. Let us examine the value of respect... According to www.dictionary.com, respect is a sense of worth that you give someone, such as in, 'I have great respect for him/her.' Respect, by this definition, is found everywhere within

What will you be excellent at?

2010-04-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

The next value of the Olympic games that I will touch base on is excellence. What will you excel at in your life? Maybe you will excel at a sport and be an excellent athlete. Perhaps you will perform excellent in school and land a fabulous job. Or maybe, we could focus on something a little closer to home - being an excellent you. I know that there is one thing that I am THE best at - something

Interview with Brennan LaBrie

2010-04-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Check out my interview with Brennan LaBrie, a TIME for Kids Reporter:

Interview with the Seattle PI Blogger - Jack Olmsted

2010-04-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! Check out my recent interview with Jack Olmsted and the Seattle PI Blogger!

Friendship - It's Universal!

2010-04-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Olympic Values of Friendship, Excellence, and Respect are the underlying groundwork for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games. I figured that since this is the base on which we will be standing, it might be a good topic to explore further. Let us break it down one by one...and today I will focus on friendship... Every person in the world will go through life and have at least one friend. We

Discovery Activity - What you might discover is yourself...

2010-04-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

The Discovery Activity of the Cultural Education Program (CEP) was by far my favorite activity of the CEP. Why was this my favorite activity one might ask? Well, in comparison to the other activities, this was not the most active of activities, nor was it the most fun. The reason that I was so drawn to this program was because of the great benefit that it offers for young athletes. The

Chat with Champions

2010-04-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever played a game where you were asked the question, "If you could meet anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and what would you talk about..."? The Cultural Education Program (CEP) of Chat with Champions at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) can bring that imagination to life. Athletes will have the chance to sit down with current and former Olympians to hear their stories and what makes

HortPark Exploration Journey

2010-04-04T12:48:00.000-07:00

Ready to explore a little bit? In this post I will give you a glimpse into the Cultural Education Program (CEP) of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) called the Exploration Journey. Explore and learn about the environment by rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty. For all you green thumbs out there, this is definitely the activity for you! For those that haven't quite turned their

Independence - Which Country Has It Right?

2010-04-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Before I begin this post, let me clarify by saying that I am by no way saying that the way we live in the United States is the right way, I am purely pointing out some of the major differences between life in the West and life in the Far East.DrivingLet’s talk about the driving law that exists in both countries and compare the two. In Singapore you cannot legally drive until you are 21 years old.

Cultural Difference - Conservation

2010-04-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

In the United States I think we have this obsession with more. A prime example of this is obviously our restaurants. We give portions that could feed a small country, which of course leads to our country’s incredible obesity rate. Being abroad helped me realize another area that we focus on more – hotel pillows. For the last couple nights in Singapore we moved to the Swissotel, which is a five

Arts and Culture

2010-03-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

I think this is an amazing activity that might be one of the highlights of the Cultural Education Program (CEP) during the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The reason I say this is because you will get to experience new cultures first hand through musical performances, dance shows, and various pieces of artwork. For maybe the first time in your life you will come together with over 4,000 people from

Breakfast

2010-03-29T18:01:00.000-07:00