The World Cup

By JJ Testa of Lunenburg, Massachusetts

I wonder sometimes how the old timers would react to the present day roller hobby, with the World Cup, and all it takes to accomplish such a massive endeavor, the NBRC fall Fly, all the clubs that have their own competitions, the shows, and, of the communication that now exists for novices and life long roller fanciers. For them, I figure, it would be unbeleivable. Like a dream come true, and I feel sadness that they never had the chance to experience our sport on such a grand scale. I also, on the other hand, feel a sense of pride and wonderment that we have come this far, and what it took to create something that has brought professionalism to the sport. We are the keepers of something unique in itself, for nowhere in the world could something this difficult be created other than right here, in our beloved America. Many fanciers who have come into the sport recently believe that it has always been this way, or, have no understanding of the great effort put forward by people who have seen this sport as something that was worth all that has been done. It would be In their best interest and in the best interest of the sport that they themselves grasp hold of the ideals set forth by the fanciers who have given of their time energy and effort so that they can enjoy the sport, now, and in the future, and support the hobby for it has been created for them.

We have experienced some rule changes as the World Cup grew, rules that will more than likely will change again in the future as we tweak and tune to make things right. Some of these changes will be controversial, some not. Since this is an endeavor that is beneficial to us and the sport, we must maintain cooperation and communication so as not to hurt the effort. Constructive dialogue must be maintained at all costs. We are the creators of our own sport. We as fanciers and competitors must maintain loyalty to our cause, and that cause is to better our sport and hobby. We must also give recognition to those who have sacrificed for the hobby, for those who have given of themselves and of their birds in an effort to keep the sport vibrant. Judges, Regional Directors, LADs, fanciers who support our hobby, fanciers who write articles, who give birds to the novice and old fancier alike, these are the people who are the backbone of the sport, and let us never forget all the aspects of our hobby. This is what makes what we do so great, so rewarding. We all have our own agendas when it comes to our beloved pigeons. You do not have to just be a competitor to support the hobby. We all must keep an open mind and allow the brotherhood to exist without name calling for what someone is doing in his enjoyment of his rollers. Show, color, or backyard personal pleasure, all these aspects are what the hobby is about.

Again the world cup is upon us, 2006 will be another great year for competition. I wish all who are part of this mother of all competitions the best of health and the best of luck in all you do. Win or lose, it was because of your participation that we are able to do something that would be beyond the old timers' wildest dreams. Have faith in your birds, your friends, and most of all stay positive with the sport, love the sport, support the hobby, Pray for peace.