Sport council committed to creating a positive environment for kids
By Lethbridge Herald on March 2, 2024.
Editor:
Ken Reed’s guest opinion in the Lethbridge Herald February 20th titled “Adults are ruining sports for kids,” highlights the detrimental impact of adults overly focused on winning in youth sports.
Reed aptly points out that while most parents and coaches maintain a healthy perspective, the negative influence of a few can significantly diminish the sports experience for children.
Reed’s assessment aligns with our experiences. It is essential to recognize the tireless efforts of parent volunteers who drive community sport programs. Their dedication often goes unnoticed, and it forms the backbone of youth sport. We must acknowledge and support their contributions, striving to ensure that those who prioritize winning at all costs become the exception rather than the norm.
At the Lethbridge Sport Council, we are committed to promoting an athlete-centred approach rooted in best practices for child and youth development.
Our focus extends beyond winning medals to nurturing the holistic development of young athletes, emphasizing the joy of the journey and the acquisition of valuable skills.
In line with this focus, our upcoming Lethbridge Game Changers Conference, a locally driven first of its kind initiative, aims to bring together coaches, officials, administrators, athletes, and parents from across the community. By fostering open dialogue and collaboration among our community partners, we aspire for an inclusive platform where every voice is heard and valued. This first of its kind locally driven initiative
We are pleased to announce that this year’s conference, a partnership between the University of Lethbridge and FSQ Sport will take place on April 12th and 13th at the University of Lethbridge. It promises to be an enriching event where attendees can exchange ideas, learn from experts, and collectively work towards building a positive sport environment for our children.
In conclusion, let us take note of Reed’s call to action and strive to prioritize the well-being and development of young athletes above all else. Together, we can ensure that sports remain a source of joy, growth, and fulfillment for generations to come.
The Lethbridge Sport Council is dedicated to providing leadership and a collective voice for sport in Lethbridge, fostering an inclusive and accessible sport community that celebrates quality experiences.
Susan Eymann
Executive Director
Lethbridge Sport Council
14-13
i suppose that so long as adults are so bought into “professional” sports, such that those sports have regular audiences willing to part with very large sums of cash simply so as to watch others play and make giant sums of money, for doing nothing that benefits a society, well, kids and their previously socially conditioned parents will continue thinking sports are all about winning at all costs and sacrifices. the spectacle is not pro sports, it is the absurdity of those that support pro sports with their time and money.