Why youth sports are important to me
By James Suri, Every Kid Sports.
I’ve been extremely fortunate to have grown-up with the opportunity to play sports. In fact, I can attribute many of the successes I’ve had throughout my life to the lessons I learned through sports. But, like many others, my life has been filled with change and inconsistencies. From uprooting my life and moving to another country as a teenager to navigating complicated family and social issues, it’s safe to say routine and structure is something that I crave. While I’ve experienced many inconsistencies, sport has always been my constant. Playing out in the street lights and at the local parks as a kid to running myself ragged and getting injured a bit too frequently today, sports are what make me tick.
While I’ve experienced many benefits from having access to youth sports (developing emotionally, physically, mentally…etc.) the social/communal element has been the most important to my life. The feeling of belonging to something bigger than myself and sharing a set of values with a community is a benefit of sports that I think is too often overlooked. Having that community, helped me make friends when I moved to a new country. It reminded me that you can have all the talent in the world, but without those connections to share it with, it’s not nearly as fulfilling. The community and friends I’ve joined through having access to sport transcends being on the “field” or watching the game. These are people that will be with you to celebrate your highs and get you back on your feet when you experience your lows.
“While I’ve experienced many benefits from having access to youth sports, the social/communal element has been the most important to my life.”
I’m competitive, I’m driven, I’m disciplined and above all I’m a teammate. Youth sport gave me that and I can’t imagine how my life would’ve turned out if I didn’t have access to play. I believe that every kid deserves the chance to play sports and that cost should not be a barrier to access. I’m extremely proud to work for a company that is committed to putting good back into the world, by providing equity in youth sports. With so many other challenges facing families today, playing is as important as ever. Sport can provide hope and I believe can be a vehicle for REAL change.
If you’re interested in helping get more kids playing and experiencing benefits like the ones I have, I encourage you to donate today. Every little helps!
