Winning the Race

Sports are a huge part of American culture.  In a world of highly-paid athletes and sold-out arenas, everyone wants to be associated with a winning team.  But there’s more to sports than just competition.  There are many benefits, especially for children and youth.

 

16-year-old “Jeremy” is a very independent young man who has come a long way academically and personally.  He will soon enter his senior year of high school and has made some great strides over the past year.  Jeremy is an up-and-coming athlete who earned a varsity track letter and received a school award recognizing overall athletic ability.  

 

Sports and team involvement brought Jeremy a long way.  He started out with modest athletic skills and was struggling with his grades, but he ended up developing character, confidence and a good work ethic.  Jeremy learned that just having some athletic talent wasn’t enough.  He had to grow in other ways.  He showed up for practice every day, followed his coach’s instructions, and did what was asked of him ─ all with a smile on his face.  His success began to carry over into the classroom as well.

 

Educators agree that extracurricular activities help young people grow.  Sports, in particular, help kids excel mentally and stay healthy.  As in the case of Jeremy, team sports can help build a child’s self-esteem.  The encouragement and respect young people give and receive from their peers and adults help them feel better about themselves. Being on a sports team can teach a child about commitment and the benefits of hard work.  Studies show that substance abuse is less common among teenagers who are active in sports.  Additionally, children who play sports often work harder in the classroom.

 

We shouldn’t just shower our attention on young people who already are athletic and academic standouts.  Yes, they still need and should receive our positive reinforcement and emotional support.  But some children haven’t learned to make the most of their skills.  They need that extra push to achieve their own level of success.  We can help them develop their own strategies for “winning the race.”

 

Jeremy is in the race for the long haul.  His sports involvement provided just the motivation he needed to apply himself in the future.  His plans, by the way, include going to college and pursuing a career as an athletic trainer.  That’s what I call a true winner. 

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Crossroads for Youth provides troubled children a supportive, positive environment in which they learn how to succeed in life. The organization teaches them self-discipline, responsibility and respect by offering a range of experiences. All of CFY’s programs incorporate academics, vocational training, individual and family counseling, community service and adventure therapy, as well as aftercare.

 For more information about Crossroads for Youth contact our Director of Development and Agency Relations at 248-628-2561, ext. 250, email us at info@crossroadsforyouth.org, or visit our Web site at www.crossroadsforyouth.org.