Youth recreational sports have an important role moving forward
Our country is in an extraordinary place right now. In the past couple months, communities have reopened despite the fear that a deadly, highly contagious virus is likely to return before a vaccine is available. There is great concern that, after all our efforts—among them shutting down youth-sports programs—we will be back inside hiding from this disease in months. At the same time, the whole country has reacted in a variety of ways to the news that another person of color was killed in the custody of the police. We keep saying that these are uncertain times, and does that ever ring true.
I am reminded that adversity, loss, and even a lack of justice can lead to a better future. There is a chance here to change for the better, and sports definitely have a role in leading the way. And that includes youth sports.
I wrote in last month’s column that youth-sports professionals are important leaders in communities, and here is another example why. You might remember, “Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet.” Well, I am not sure about the last three, but baseball is really a reference to a family’s participation in sports in general. From fans at the professional level to all those participating as coaches, officials, spectators, or players in the thousands of youth games that happen every day, youth sports are as American as you can get.