EL PASO -- Sports are a universal aspect of our culture and world. People everywhere see the glamour of sports and seek to imitate sports professionals and heroes.
Recently on a trip to China, I asked a group of middle-school students "What do you want to do when you grow up?" Their responses mirrored those that students in America would say: (1) "I don't know," (2) "I want to do something meaningful," and (3) "I want to be a professional athlete -- I want to be the next Yao Ming ( Houston Rockets Basketball star)." While there is nothing wrong with striving to be the next greatest athlete your country has ever known, sports can do much more than bring fame.
"The most obvious thing sports can do is to teach children to enjoy physical activity and encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle," says UTEP head volleyball coach Ken Murphy. "These habits are sometimes difficult to form as adults, so the earlier that children start the better."
Because 16 percent of U.S. children and 33 percent of adolescents are considered o bese, developing a healthful lifestyle is important.
The onset of unhealthful weight gain can begin early, at ages 5 and 6. Studies also suggest that if a child is obese between the ages of 10 and 13 years old, the child has an 80 percent chance of becoming an obese adult.
Being involved in regular sports teams and fitness activities early in life may keep young people motivated to maintain active lives as they reach young adulthood, middle age and beyond.
In addition to the health benefits, there are important social and psychological rewards associated with sports and healthy competition. USA Diving National and Olympic coach John Wingfield states, "Sports at any level increase the child's self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-image, while providing important life skills, such as: time- management, conflict resolution, goal setting, sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork."
Being a part of a sports team and learning to work with others to achieve a common goal provides a foundation to success. Studies show that athletes have a 15 percent higher graduation rate and go on to earn about 10 percent more in the workplace than non-athletes.
While sports can add value to the child's life, he or she does not just grab the positive effects by showing up to practice or competition. To fully obtain the benefits of sports, children should be part of sports programs that promote growth and development in a supportive, positive environment.
Children "need to enjoy whatever activity they are involved in. Too much pressure to win, especially at a young age, can lead to burn out and an overall dislike for athletics," says UTEP head women's soccer coach Kevin Cross.
Wingfield suggests that to motivate children to participate in sports and to continuing in their sports training, they should judge themselves based on the new skills developed and the techniques honed. "If you focus on yourself, you compete within.
"The top performers in sport focus on the skills and tasks, not on the trophies or awards. This skill is not only imperative in athletics; it is a transferable skill that makes the athlete successful post-game day."
The school system and many community organizations have sports teams for kids.
The local YWCA provides great opportunities to join sports teams and may provide reduced prices to join based on your household income. For information on YWCA programs, call 915-533-2311.
Jody Riskowski is an assistant professor with the Department of Kinesiology in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso. Contact her at 747-6012 or by e-mail at jlriskowski2@utep.edu .
