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Meet Your Neighbor: Sean Farnsworth
By Callie Thomas
Athletes have an acute connection between mind and body. With the proper training and state of mind, they’re driven to meet the most rigorous physical challenges and have the tools to maneuver through many of life’s obstacles. Athletes become the ideal mentors by motivating other athletes through their life experiences and wisdom. 89123 resident Sean Farnsworth puts that into action by being an athlete and an inspiration to his students at Greenspun Junior High.
For the past 21 years, Farnsworth has been “paying it forward” not only by encouraging the students in his physical education classes but by reaching out to the community and raising funds for charitable organizations. Using his athleticism, whether it’s cycling, running cross country or jumping rope, Sean makes a difference. “I absolutely love what I do, even after two decades,” says Farnsworth. His position at the school has also allowed him to become involved in several community activities, including Jump Rope for Heart. “I shaved my head on KLAS channel 8 for that one,” says Farnsworth, who also donates his time coaching soccer for Henderson United Youth Soccer. He’s been actively involved with the Josh Stevens Foundation, which encourages acts of kindness, and also finds time to feed the hungry by donating to the Three Square Food Bank.
Sean puts the pedal to the metal each year during the annual 103-mile century ride at RTC Viva Bike Vegas. The event brings cycling enthusiasts across the country together to join the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada in a ride that benefits local charitable organizations. “I run and ride in as many events, like RTC Viva Bike Vegas, as I can that raise money for worthy causes,” says Farnsworth. The Viva Bike Vegas ride benefits three local charities: Nevada Cancer Institute, After-School All-Stars Las Vegas and Nevada Child Seekers.
It’s hard to keep up with this busy coach, but he invited us along for the ride to get a bit more insight on how this mentor rolls.
What influenced you to become a teacher?
“I really became a teacher to repay a debt. I had a coach in high school who turned my life around. He got me into running and that got me into college. When I got my first teaching job, I went back to thank the coach who made the life I have now possible.”
That meeting must have been special. What did he say?
“When I thanked him and said I didn’t know how I could ever repay what he had done for me, he looked at me and said that I couldn’t, but that I could do the same thing for someone else. I have never forgotten that conversation.”
He was truly an amazing influence in your life.
“Yes. One of the things my coach said often was that who you are speaks so loudly that no one can hear what you say. It’s something I think about often.”
You are so generous giving your time and talents to a number of charities in the city. I understand that your family has also become involved in several organizations.
“My family never turns down a friend or someone in need. In fact, we have helped complete strangers and never turn away an animal in need of rescue. We believe in the “pay it forward” idea—helping in any way possible and expecting nothing in return.”
Can you tell us about some of the organizations you’ve supported as a family?
My daughter, wife and I finished the Red Rock 5K. My wife ran and my daughter and I walked with friends. The proceeds went towards after school programs for kids.”
With all that activity, how do you unwind?
“Exercise – the more the better.”
Athleticism is definitely in your DNA. I almost hesitate to ask, but if you weren’t in your present career what would you see yourself doing?
“I have the greatest job in the world and I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
