Heroes are everywhere, just look around, Matchbox Heroes Wanted promotion

Recently, I have been talking to my children about what it means to be a hero. When I asked my kids who comes to mind when I say hero, the first responses where superheroes. From Spiderman to Iron Man and a variety in between, these fictional characters are forefront in their minds. I asked why the kids felt these people were heroic. The answer was simple; superheroes help people in need.

After some additional prodding, I asked the kids if they knew any real-life heroes. We talked about teachers, firemen and policemen. These men and women have jobs that allow them to help others every day.

Over time, our discussions broadened into the subject of what can make a person a hero. Is it primarily an action or does a person's character effect our perception? Accolades and awards do not make a person a hero, they just recognize exemplary behavior.

At our swim season banquet, our family was able to meet Jason Lezak.  While that name may not be instantly recognizable, he is an Olympic gold medalist in swimming. Mr. Lezak competed in the following Olympics, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012. He was the anchor leg in the 2008 gold medal winning 4 x 100 relay (with Michael Phelps, a name non-swimmers probably know). At the banquet, he spoke about his struggles and triumphs in competition. The lessons that  he was trying to instill in the children were dedicate yourself to achieving your dreams and goals and never give up.

I asked my kids if they thought Mr. Lezak is a hero. They thought it was cool he had Olympic medals, but they were unsure if he was a real hero. I explained to them that Mr. Lezak is indeed a hero because he never gave up his dream. He pushed himself over and over again to achieve. More importantly, he sought to bring the best out of others on his journey. While winning the medals was a great achievement, his true greatness came by never giving up. In my opinion, a true, everyday hero never gives up.

Do you have a child that has heroic attributes? It is time to celebrate his or her accomplishments in the Matchbox Heroes Wanted contest. Anyone with a child between three and 10 years old can enter the contest. Visit www.Matchbox.com/Heroes to enter your child dress as their favorite real-life icon, along with a caption explaining why they are a true Matchbox hero. This contest is open until May 13, 2013. 

Contest submissions will be showcased on the Matchbox® Heroes Wanted™ Facebook gallery. 
Participants are eligible to win a variety of prizes including the grand prize of a $60.000 college scholarship.  

To learn more about the contest and read stories from the heroes that inspired Matchbox® vehicles, please visit www.Matchbox.com/Heroes.


Stop standing in the shadows. It's is time to celebrate the heroes amongst us. 





Disclosure: I wrote this post as part of a promotion with MomSelect. All statements are my own and were not influenced by any person or entity. I may be compensated for my time.