Community and Family Connection through Sport

A recent report from The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta outlines their findings on the connection between sport, inclusiveness and belonging in a community.  Sports and recreational activities have a strong connection with the communities they take place in, considering there are over 47 million children involved in organized sport.  According the the study and The Daily Herald Tribune when these children, and even adults, are participating in sports a stronger sense of community is prominent.  The public and tax-supported sport programs can benefit the community economically as well. 

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The next point in this article that was also talked about in our September 27 discussion on youth sports and the importance of sport health benefits.  A statistic mentioned in class talked about how children with active parents are more likely to be active themselves.  The Alberta study shows participation rates in youth sport increased when at least one parent was active and involved in a sport.  By encouraging families to engage in sport together, the family and community bond strengthen.  

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Finally, the article ends on a major benefit that was learned in our youth sport lesson were the values skills and leadership that children can gain from sport.  Having a responsibility, team work, boost in confidence and interacting with others are just a few.  The youth is our future and it is important that we teach them not only how to be safe while playing sports, but all the life lessons that come along with it.  While injuries may a negative effect of sport values like self esteem, the friendships made and the respect learned from the game will always have a long lasting impact on a child’s life. 

http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/2016/10/04/study-finds-link-between-sports-community-inclusiveness