Photo Credit: NAYS
Michael Wardlow, the recreational program supervisor for the City of Largo (Fla.) Recreation Parks & Arts, has seen the life-changing impact sports can have on children—and nothing makes him happier.
During a recent flag-football season, a mother whose husband walked out on her and their son enrolled the youngster in the program in hopes it would help him overcome his depression and open up to her.
“Because of his experience and the awesome staff member who was his coach, believing and preaching our sports mission (Today we will strive to STRENGTHEN youth by helping CREATE lasting memories and FUN for all!), this young athlete was able to come out of his shell,” says Wardlow, who is also a Certified Youth Sports Administrator. “He opened up to his coach and teammates, which in turn helped him open up to his mother about how he was feeling. It is stories like this one that motivate me to work the long hours, and I know it is worth it to make a difference, not only in a young athlete's life but the whole families’ life.”