The Queen and I: Great Art, Queen Sylvia and two Olympians come together for the Mentor Foundation Event

Queen Sylvia of Sweden

 Posted by Jason Rogers

With Hockney, Warhol and Schnabel as our chaperons, Tim and I partied it up with the Queen Sylvia of Sweden at the Phillips de Pury & Company gallery in the Meat Packing District of Manhattan. Well, perhaps “party” is too strong a word and “chatted with” might be slightly more appropriate considering the company we were keeping. Regal is a word that is oft overused, but in this context I feel justified in employing it fully to describe her Majesty of Sweden. Not only was she dapper and impeccably polite, but the facility with which she navigated the room was the type that can only befit a person of noble birth.

The event itself was H&M sponsored and to honor the Mentor Foundation (Queen Sylvia serves as the president) which aims to eradicate/prevent substance abuse especially among children and young people around the world. Mentor boasts a board of Trustees so impressive it is almost ridiculous including the Queen Noor of Jordan, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and the Crown Prince of Spain…Wow! Other notables attending the event included, Brittany Snow (Nip Tuck), Anna Chlumsky (My Girl), Jessalyn Wanlim (All My Children), Sarah Hyland (Lipstick Jungle), Stevi Perry (Miss Teen USA), Bonnie Dennison and Caitlin Van Zandt (both of Guiding Light).

We capped off the night by heading to HK on 39^th st. for our dear friend Troy’s Candyland themed birthday party which was complete with servers handing out cotton candy and treat filled party bags. Altogether the day was an overwhelming success. However, it is like most days in the city that end with me at home, prostrate on the couch and debating the eternal question: can summon the energy to take the 6 steps to my bed or should I just stay her and pass out before another 24 hours of adventure in the big apple…

Morehouse and Rogers Teach 700+ Children about the Olympics and Fencing

 

The Enthusiastic Children at Assumption School!

During school presentations over the past two days we addressed over 700 children.  Overall, we have spoken to over 3000 students at 10+ schools and programs since we’ve been back from Beijing  The schedule has been particularly packed the last week with school visits, events and now training for the upcoming season as well.   There are so many things I want to accomplish on multiple fronts and its making for some long days!

 

On Tuesday, I woke up early and had a hard work out before driving up to Danbury, Connecticut where I spoke to students at the Wooster school.  I then hoped back in my car and drove to Manhattan to join a USOC fundraising event and then met up with Jason afterwards at an event at the Time Warner building to debrief. 

 

Wednesday also began very early, this time with a drive to Peekskill, NY with Jason where the two of us gave 5 presentations at multiple schools, the town Library and then at the Peekskill Fencing Center.  With littie time ot spare, we sped back to the city to participate in an event with the Queen of Sweden before ending the night up at my friend’s birthday party at the HK Lounge.(You can read more about the events from Jason!)   

 

Jason talks to students about reaching their goals

Despite being tired from all the running around, speaking to children definitely keeps me grounded and motivated to continue to forge ahead to promote our sport.  Whenever we speak at a school, it’s really amazing and such a high to see the excitement in the student’s, not just for the Olympics, but also for fencing. 

 

As a former teacher, it’s also just a blast to walk into school buildings. (I’m in my element!) 

 

We continue to talk a lot about setting the right big goals and also about discovering your unique strengths and applying to them to help you succeed. I hope we’re making an impact!

 

I want to send an amazing thank you to the students, staff and teachers at Wooster, Peekskill Middle and Assumption School for showing us such great hospitality.  Our day in Peekskill was arranged by local fencing coach Alex Acevado who is just opening a new club facility and doing an amazing job promoting the sport locally! Thanks for everything Alex and best of luck with your club!

Coach Alex Acevado's students pose with us at the new club