The Importance of Sports
Sports have been an important part of my life from a young age. Not only are the physical aspects of it important, but the mental may be more significant. Personally, sports have taught me a lot such as passion, perseverance and how to overcome adversity. This week we had the opportunity to reach out to several youths in our area including my own children who have been involved in sports. We asked them what they’ve learned and the benefits.
Brody Maners, 15, has played football and baseball since he was around four. When asked how sports has impacted him, he mentioned teamwork. He went on to say it has also taught him to be a leader. He mentioned “Being a leader you stand out. You need to be good and motivate others around you to be good.” Finally, Brody said respect. “Respecting others for the work they put in to the team and commitment to be better each day.”
Maners’ sister, Aubrey, 13, plays volleyball at North Davidson Middle School (NDMS). Aubrey was asked about the benefits of sports and she stated, “First, they have taught me to work as a team and everyone has different strengths to bring to the table. Second, even if you don’t like someone you share a common goal, so you have to set aside your differences and work toward succeeding.” Last, Aubrey declared, “A good attitude goes a long way. Even if you are losing you can turn the outcome around with a different and positive mindset.”
Haven Callahan, 12, is a sixth grader at NDMS. He began playing sports when he was three. He stated, “Learning to work as a team will be beneficial throughout his life and that sports have helped him with his social anxiety.” He went on to say, “Knowing they have something in common makes it less awkward and easier to talk to peers.”
At Midway Elementary, Caleb Grant, 8, plays baseball and football. He was asked what sports has taught him. Grant said, “Sports have taught me how to make friends with new people, and it has also taught me when you lose, you have to work harder in practice.” Finally, Grant said, in true eight-year-old fashion, “If I ever need to tackle someone, I learned that in football!”
Matthew Corder plays hockey for the Triad Hockey League, and is a 15-year-old sophomore at Oak Grove High School. We asked Corder what sports have taught him. He commented, “Hydration. It’s important in all sports. You can’t skip it and just because you’re playing on ice you may not realize you need it. You sweat a lot.” He went on to say, “Hard work! In Hockey, first, you have to learn to skate, stand up, fall down, glide, and stopping is very important. Before you ever put a stick in your hand, you have to put in the hard work. In conclusion, he mentioned sports has taught him patience. “Patience with yourself and with others as they learn.”
A 15-year-old sophomore at OGHS, Caitlyn Carden, said sports taught her to “be a better person”. She went on to say, “I depend on people just as much as they depend on me. I have the mentality to never quit. Once you make a commitment to something you have to follow through.” She adds, “You give 110 percent! No matter what, if you want to go somewhere in life, go after it and give it your all”
Sports are extremely beneficial and help build strong character, both mentally and physically. You can see the impact from a young age and I know for me they’ve helped shape me into the person I am, personally and professionally.
Hearing our youth explain how sports has helped them with patience, leadership, attitude, giving it your all and even social anxiety; you can see the importance and impact of sports in our youth. Hopefully this trend continues, and we continue to see the positive impacts in and around our community.
