Time with Tony - 5/15

 

Many of my earliest childhood memories involve team sports. In my small country town in Victoria, Australia, the two main sports were Australian Rules football and cricket. Soccer was also played, primarily by families of Italian and Greek heritage, and there was a small basketball program, though I did not participate in it. I also tried a number of individual sports, including golf, tennis, table tennis, and track and field, but I never enjoyed them as much as the team sports.

This weekend, many parents apologized for not attending last night’s gathering with friends because of major soccer tournaments around the area. While I was sorry they were unable to join us, I was reminded of the many great memories I have from team sports, both from my own childhood and from watching my son play travel soccer in Maryland.

Much has been written about the benefits of team sports for children, including opportunities to interact with peers, develop leadership skills, and find mentorship from someone other than a parent, such as a coach or group leader. Team sports also offer powerful lessons in commitment, cooperation, and shared purpose. There is something special about standing with a group of friends, preparing for a big game, and working together toward a common goal.

These opportunities are not limited to athletics. I have seen the same benefits in Eagle Scout projects, fundraising efforts, and shared service experiences, such as the Kindergarten’s visit to the NC Food Bank on Thursday.

I have spoken before about my love of theatre. Last week, students in 4th through 8th Grade participated in the production of Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Your Teachers But Were Afraid to Ask at the First Baptist Activity Center. It was a fantastic evening that celebrated the talents of these students. For me, the highlight, beyond the excellent performances from Amy and Cam, was seeing the pride and joy the students displayed throughout the production. I am thrilled that theatrical productions have returned to FSW, and I am already working on next year’s spring calendar to identify the dates for the next performance.