My Life in Sports

This spot was intended to reach out to all of us who are not so athletically minded. No matter what your talent is, it is important and worth developing. For adults, parents and mentors, it's important to help young people search for that particular ability, which may not be so obvious at first. In the filming of this spot, the members of the choir performed very well - especially considering that they had just learned the song!

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

MUSIC: It takes a lot to know what is love…
MOM: Alright, don’t hold back now, give me all you’ve got.
MUSIC: And there is never a day that passes by I don’t think of you.
MOM: Maybe baseball is your game. Hey pal bring it in, right here.
MUSIC: You were always there for me.
MOM: How about golf? Ok, uh, choke down a little bit.
MUSIC: Pushing me and guiding me always to succeed. I want to thank you for the time and I’m proud to say your mine. You showed me everything that I should know. You showed me just how to walk without your hands.
BOY: ‘Cause mom you always were the perfect fan.
ANNCR/SUPER: Appreciation… Pass it on. A message from The Foundation for a Better Life.

Appreciation
Pass It On®
Pass It On®

YOUR COMMENT

Note: All comments are reviewed before posting.

i love this vido it is so unique

aulorra from 21139 littel bever, February 10, 2021

Now that one brought a tear to an old lady's eye.

Melvina Watson from NYC, October 31, 2020

yess this made me cry

nightslayer from Colorado, September 17, 2020

I feal soo impsirad thes vidoe hos halped me soa mooch

Anonymous, September 1, 2017

CUTE

Anonymous, January 5, 2017

Yeh.. This is beautiful..

Kathleen from Celebration,Florida, July 13, 2016

Beautiful

NULL from NULL, December 16, 2014

thanks for adding something positive to my life its good someone is standing up and speakinggood what's wrong with America and the lives that we live

roy conley from fairbanks ak, June 6, 2014

very inspirational and loving.

robert mosetter from hershey pa, February 12, 2014

It's so beatiful

Andre from Barbados, November 17, 2013

Sure hit home with us.

Pat from San Diego, October 29, 2013

i love it

king j j from new youk, August 30, 2013

I ACTUALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY; EACH COMMERCIAL I WATCHED SPEAK DIRECTLY TO ME.., I CAN'T HELP MYSELF BUT TO LAUGH AND ENJOY THE AD, OVER AND OVER AGAIN

SELORM from GHANA, August 11, 2013

I love this commercial! It's the best one by far, very touching and inspirational!

mindy crouch from dayton ohio, May 1, 2013

Just beautiful as all of your commercials are! It just shows a mom trying to help her son find the best in his world and if it is not sports but singing... she is proud NO matter what... you can see the pride that both of them take. Very touching!

Kathy from SouthEast Oklahoma, April 22, 2013

I think sports is better than singing. To me. He thinks singing is better than sports because he has never played sports before.

Connie R from California, April 10, 2013

This is awesome. My mom told me to look it up because it reminded her of me and my son. My son who is only 4 1/2 years old right now has tried a few sports and is NOT the most athletic one on the field/court. I love sports but as a young child myself I was extremely sick with a chronic disease so I wasn't able to participate in sports (until high school when I was a cheerleader for 3 years). I did however, have a talent for music at a very young age which my mother saw and encouraged me to develop it. I ended up playing violin, piano, clarinet and bass clarinet and being a member of my high school band and choir and being able to sing at Carnigie Hall in NYC. Anyways my son has the build of an athlete already...very tall for his age and solid. Since he was a baby strangers would pass by and say what a great football player he will be someday...and who knows, maybe someday he will be a great football player...then again maybe he won't. Maybe he just doesn't care about being an athlete as much as some kids. Right now he'd rather run circles around the other kids and he's afraid of the ball...but he is so smart and already has a great talent and love for music. I do worry about him being teased as he grows up for his size and his not-so-athletic ability....but I hope he finds a passion for something that makes him happy. I think he will be great musician and I hope he finds it a great outlet as I did growing up when the world wasn't so kind I had music to get lost in, put emotion into and lift me up! Whatever my son decides to do I will definitely be there by his side cheering him on and being his biggest fan!!!!

Lisa from Alabama, March 15, 2013

You have to try to find what you like.

Mica Juani Jose from Buenos Aires, April 17, 2012

We love this pour little guy.

CATA, BELU Y BAUTA from buenos aires , April 17, 2012

It's so inspiring, its the best for me....I Love it!!!

Joshua Nyantika from Nairobi, Kenya, February 21, 2012

this is me when i was little because i wasnt good with sports and then when i got bigger i got better so thats me in the video ha!ha!ha!

EDUARDO ANTUNEZ from Omaha,Nebraska, October 11, 2011

That's me right there. This brought a tear to my eye, because in the eyes of my peers I was lame cause I didn't play sports and sung instead, but in the eyes of my parents I was doing a wonderful job and as long as I was doing what I was in to, it was the best.

James S from Ohio, August 4, 2011

I love many of your spots on TV, but this is by far my favorite! You see, my 7 year old grandson, who had leukemia at the age of 2 and endured 3 1/2 years of chemo treatment, looks and acts just like this boy! He may never be a great athlete, but he is blessing so many lives....including his single grandmother who is raising him! I cry every time, unashamedly!

Jhon from Skyforest, California, March 8, 2011

I saw this spot the other day and I started to cry a little because The Prefect Fan had to be one of my fave songs by BSB off their Millienium cd. The first time I heard the song I cried because the song was so amazing and sweet. In the spot, I love how she tried to help her son find his thing and she was proud of him even though his spot was not in sports. It is so inspirational to never give up no matter how many times you fail and no matter what someone will be proud of you.

Amanda F. from California, January 28, 2011

Yes, the song is "Perfect Fan" by Backstreet Boys.

Rachel A. from Denver, CO, January 5, 2011

I finally decided to investigate the song to listen to it in it's entire version. Thank you to the person that knew it was Backstreet Boys. Beautiful.

Rachel ML from Bakersfield, January 5, 2011

This spot was released for Mother's Day. For spots about fathers watch Holding The Light, The Wall, Umpire, Apple Stand, and Truck Stop.

Rachel A. from Denver, CO, January 3, 2011

I was so touched by this spot tonight I just had to look it up. This is the 10th time I've been on your site today! Your commercials keep inspring me and I just love all the music from each one - I wish you sold it all on an album! Thank you for what you're doing and please don't stop!! Keep it going!!!

Cindy G. from Clayton, DE, January 3, 2011

What are trying to say about Fathers in this spot?

Tim H. from Oklahoma, January 1, 2011

I love all the commercials. "You can let go, Daddy" is the saddest one and reminds you what is so important in life. Having the people you love around you. I was hoping to see the one about the little girl sharing candy.

Mona G from Alabama, December 30, 2010

I love the Backstreet Boys. When this song is put to a video like this, it brings a whole new meaning to the song. Amazing song choice.

Casidy A. from Indiana, October 25, 2010

Yes, it is "The Perfect Fan" by the Backstreet Boys. My son and I danced to this song at his wedding 10 years ago.

Juni V from Susquehanna, PA, September 27, 2010

This is really cute. Perfect song that goes with it too.

Kristy S. from Indiana, September 7, 2010

This is my favorite. It touches my heart. It was so sweet to step up and sing it to his mom.

Paris,M from Los Angeles, August 7, 2010

I also stop whatever I am doing to watch these commercials.

Sierra G from North Carolina, August 2, 2010

Hey! I was that kid (in about 1958). I was constantly counseled to "keep your eye on the ball." I did, and was convinced that it'd do me great bodily harm. At its imminent approach, no matter what the sport, I'd "duck and cover." Needless to say, I was not chosen for many sports teams. Nevertheless, thanks to sensitive parenting, I grew up to become a Naval Aviator, airline pilot and, now, a veteran (meaning old) journalist. Thanks for the terrific, heartwarming promo (and for sharing Nancy P, the prettiest "mom" ever)!

Craig R from Washington, DC, July 1, 2010

My Life in Sports reminds me SO MUCH of my own son (smile). I love it. Everytime it comes on, I stop what I'm doing and run to watch it.

V. Jones from Georgia, May 25, 2010

I should mention, that the people who wrote, directed and participated in the making of this commercial were amazing and wonderful. It was truly a pleasure to be "mom"!

Nancy P. from Utah, March 20, 2010

Hi Audrey B., I am the mom in this commercial. I, however, am not Tia from One Life to Live, though it is quite a complement. Thank you! :)

Nancy P. from Utah, March 20, 2010

My very favorite commercial!! Everytime I see this I get chills and tears in my eyes.Who is that adorable young man and the mother?

D.Henderson from St.Petersburg.Fl, March 12, 2010

Love this commercial! For those of us who have boys, it really hits home. My oldest has just joined the Marine Corps!!! It makes me want to cry every time I see it! BEAUTIFUL!

Shelly H. from Richmond, VA, January 29, 2010

No one is answering my question: Who plays the Mother in "My Life In Sports"? Is she the actress, "Tia" from One Life To Live (who is an excellent actress)?

Audrey B. from Florida, January 20, 2010

I believe the song is called "The Perfect Fan," originally recorded by the Backstreet Boys.

Rachel A. from Denver, CO , January 18, 2010

Does anyone know who sings this song and the title of it?

Michelle D from Walnut, CA, January 17, 2010

I love all your spots. This one is great as well. However, I do get a kick out of the baseball scene where a milkman is delivering milk in glass bottles..must be the 50's.

Hank S. from Eustis, Fl, January 15, 2010

I love this spot! Never get tired of looking at it or getting its wonderful message!

Aine W from The Villages, FL, December 30, 2009

The best "commercial" I've seen! The Better Life commercials are better than the TV programs! As a mother with non-sports children who are now grown, I wish these had been shown long ago. My children are now in the Arts (Music & Design). We need more of these statements to tell our children that participating in sports isn't everything! KEEP IT UP!

Doti H from Minnesota, November 20, 2009

I absolutely love the one for apperication with the mom and the son. It makes me cry everytime I see it. I reminds me of how my parents never gave up on me when I needed it. keep making these wonderful videos.

Lori G. from Alexandria, Alabama, October 13, 2009

This commercial touches my heart every single time I see it. All of the Better Life commercials are great, but this one gets me good--especially when I hear the kids singing at the end! Love it! And the little boy, too!

Roxane S from California, September 18, 2009

I love the end of this commercial

Kayla, H from Forney, Texas, September 17, 2009

Wonderful message! Who is the actress in this commercial? She seems familiar to me.

Jo G. from Texas, September 15, 2009

I love this! My two boys love the you commercials. Keep them coming!

Cindy from Dallas, TX, July 16, 2009

That little boy never gave up.

Flavoris B. from Mabry Middle, S.C., February 24, 2009

Hi, I would like to know the name of the song in the commercial about appreciation. [The song is called "The Perfect Fan" by Backstreet Boys.]

Carol T. from Princess Anne, MD, February 3, 2009

Awww! This video is so cute! It made me cry when I saw how frustrated the boy got, then he sang absolutely beautifully! Kinda reminds me of my own journey.

A.J. from NJ, December 29, 2008

This is a wonderful spot.

George from Egypt, December 2, 2008

I really like the "Life in Sports" spot. It's very touching for me and I'll never forget the value of appreciation.

Neil M from Manila, PH, November 17, 2008

BLESS YOU ALL MORE AND MORE...

Ismuel A from ISRAEL, October 30, 2008

Love, Love, Love.

Jacqueline C from Memphis, TN, October 20, 2008

I heard about this! I can't believe I missed it last night. GO Backstreet Boys! Love ya!

Sarah C from Doylestown, PA, April 11, 2008

Very touching. It brought tears to my eyes.

Crislyn from Manila, Philippines, April 11, 2008

A great mother.

Francesco Wang, March 26, 2008

AWW the end brought tears to my eyes!

Linda V. from Florida, USA, March 1, 2008

My son and I love this commercial and I cry every morning when I see it, because my son says that about me and it makes me feel so good and he hugs me when this commercial comes on.

Shakita Y. from Raleigh, North Carolina, February 29, 2008

I love this one...I sent to my mom to show her how much I care :) xoxoxo luv u mom!

Heather from Windsor, Ontario Canada, February 23, 2008

Amazing spot. I really loved it great job using the Backstreet Boys. I've always loved "The Perfect Fan." Brian did such a great job writing it too.

Amanda from Florida, USA, February 4, 2008

This just made me cry! I love it!

Julie S. from West Sacramento, California USA, October 25, 2007

I am not usually a Backstreet Boys fan but this song is very touching. I would like my son to memorize this song and let him sing it for his mothers (his grandmother, his aunt, and for me!)

Vivian R. from Bacolod, Philippines, September 13, 2007

FBL is incredible - thank you so much for the time, money, and effort you've put into it - it makes a difference! p.s. The song is "Perfect Fan" by Backstreet Boys

Jana M. from Columbus, Ohio USA, August 26, 2007

I saw this spot ONCE a few years ago. It was around 2am and I had my eyes closed. I opened them when I heard the music, because my sister had been a huge fan of the Backstreet Boys. I was crying by the time it was through. The message was so true and pure, and just beautiful.

Molly B. from Long Island, New York USA, August 11, 2007

I love this.

Sandra G. from Miami, Florida USA, August 11, 2007

Love... thank you for this wonderful video and music. By the way, what is the title of the song? Love it!!!

Bro. Louie D. from Cebu, Philippines, July 23, 2007

I like everything about the site and hope that you can develop and educate more people on learning how to share with others from all parts of the world. I like it. Please try and send some magazines to us in Africa to share with us your nice teaching. I like you. Bless your organisation.

Samuel N. A. from Ghana, June 27, 2007

The best music. I love it. Thank you for including this song. It has a beautiful meaning.

Letty L from Mexico City, Mexico, June 26, 2007

Ok, this one made me tear. I realized very early that all of my children were blessed with different talents. Each applauded for what made them unique. I celebrate them like this MUMM with her son. Bless you for this nice reminder!

Lady Samm from Toronto, Canada, June 6, 2007

Teach unconditional love. Love is the answer.

Kay V from Ft Collins CO, March 29, 2007

Be sure to watch our other Pass It On® videos.

Spread the Love

LOVE

Locker

CHARACTER

Generosity

GENEROSITY

Good Stuff

COMMITMENT

You Can Let Go

LOVE

You Raise Me Up

INSPIRATION

I Believe

BELIEVE

Already There

BEING THERE

Joshua's Heart

LOVE

Packages

COURTESY

The Greatest

OPTIMISM

Oliver With A Twist

PLEASE AND THANK YOU

Piñata

SHARING

Veteran

THANK YOU

Baseball

FRIENDSHIP

Most People Are Good

GOODNESS

Change the World

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Home

FAMILY

I Hope You Dance

LIVE LIFE

Hall of Fame

ACHIEVEMENT

Timeout

CIVILITY

Everything I Do

CARING

Homecoming Queen

TRUE BEAUTY

Gratitude

GRATITUDE

Homer

LOYALTY

Basketball

SPORTSMANSHIP

Love

LOVE

Guitar Hero

LIVE YOUR DREAMS

Everyday Heroes

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Nate Staniforth, Magician

WONDER

Let Em In

CARING

Ballet

CONFIDENCE

Open Door

KINDNESS

Road Rage

GOOD EXAMPLES

Never Too Late

LIVE LIFE

Three Pointer

YOU GOT THIS

Classroom

HONESTY

Kindness

KINDNESS

We Shall Be Free

DO YOUR PART

Grace VanderWaal

CONFIDENCE

Spirit of America

DETERMINATION

I Will Always Love You

LOVE

Track Coach

BELIEVE

Hockey

LOVE

Neighbors

PATIENCE

Special Athlete

SPORTSMANSHIP

Annie's Song

OUR BEAUTIFUL WORLD

Truck Stop

RIGHT CHOICES

Reach

INTEGRITY

Umbrella

CARING

A Better Life

A BETTER LIFE

Remember When

APPRECIATION

Just Say Hi

REACHING OUT

Better Together

BETTER TOGETHER

Humble and Kind

KINDNESS

America

CARING

Cafeteria

REACHING OUT

Biker

GRATITUDE

Power of the Dream

LIVE YOUR DREAMS

Old Friends

FRIENDSHIP

The Wall

HARD WORK

Life's A Dance

LEARN AS YOU GO

Be A Light

BE A LIGHT

Hallway

FORGIVENESS

Haircut

BEING THERE

Soccer

OPPORTUNITY

Hope

HOPE

Holding The Light

TEACHING BY EXAMPLE

Peer Pressure

CHARACTER

Crosswalk

GOOD MANNERS

Apple Stand

CARING

Wet Cement

PATIENCE

Get Along

GET ALONG

My Wish

PARENTING

Faith In You

DEVOTION

Dishes

LISTENING

Loyalty

LOYALTY

Imagine

IMAGINE

Mallory Weggemann

RESILIENCE

Purse

HONESTY

Train

LOVE

Dear Me

HOPE

Sarah Greichen

INCLUSION

College

GRATITUDE

Top Shelf

HELPING OTHERS

Jen Bricker

STRENGTH