I was an enthusiastic participant in sports for much of my life. Practicing for hours. Pick up games. Organized leagues. Varsity teams. I loved playing. I also learned to love being a spectator. Watching my children play was fun, but seeing the grand kids take part in athletics is a special joy.

Sports is a proven way for youngsters to build their bodies, develop hand-eye coordination and discipline young minds. More important, nothing prepares participants for life better than sports.

Team sports show them how to be part of something bigger than themselves and that the role they play has an effect on the team’s success. As a pre-boomer, I can remember a football coach from a long time ago who used to stress there’s no “I” in “T-E-A-M.” A team also teaches kids how to relate with others and share the good times as well as the bad. Winning and losing is part of life as is the competition for a certain position. Even the beginners know how they’re doing versus the other kids; and while they officially don’t keep score, every team member knows exactly what the score is. And this becomes more important as they progress, just like life.

Individual sports provide somewhat different lessons. In activities such as swimming, track and field, or gymnastics kids get to compete with themselves. They improve their personal best efforts by reaching inside themselves to out do what they did in the past. It’s a great way to achieve self-esteem. And, there are the elements of team sports in these endeavors as well. Being part of a relay is a team effort, and the combined performances determines who won the match.

Consoling and congratulating one another is a big part of the team culture. And, gaining recognition (not always positive) from the coach prepares the youngsters for a relationship with their bossed when they go out into the world.

Are you involved in the sports activities of your grandchildren? If not, you don’t know what your missing. Believe me, nothing will melt your heart faster than having them look over at you seating in the stands in a way that says, “I’m glad you’re here for me.”

Don Potter, a Philadelphia native, was born in 1936 and is a 50 year veteran of the advertising agency business. Now living in Los Angeles, he has written two novels in retirement, frequently writes on marketing issues, and has a blog dedicated to pre-boomers (those born between 1930 and 1945).

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