Benefit of Sports
Sports participation gives us many benefits, including the following:
A fun framework for us to exercise
Opportunities to interact and socialize with others
Improved communication skills
Opportunities for leadership
View other perspectives
Learn teamwork, how a part (us) helps the whole (team)
Develop a skill/talent
Builds self esteem
Relieve stress
However, taken to the extreme, sports can also be very negative. You don’t have to look far to learn about the many athletes who are struggling with substance abuse as well as physical, emotional and sexual abuse of others.
Sports, when taken to the extreme, values winning over integrity, teaches us to hate our opponents, to see only our own perspective, values someone only as far as they are able to help a team to win, adds to our stress, teaches that leadership is yelling and getting angry, and tears down our self esteem.
It is important as players, parents, and coaches, that we work together to build a community that emphasizes balance and restraint as we provide healthy opportunities to participate in sports. Communication is essential to making this happen.
In this pursuit, remember that players, coaches, and parents are humans and make mistakes. Be willing to forgive and also to communicate your feelings before they control you. We should be willing to speak up for good principles but to also listen to other perspectives. Be patient and allow room for others and yourself to grow.
We appreciate your efforts on the fields and in your homes to teach principles that help make the world a better place.
