Dear Editor
What should elementary school sports be all about? About teaching students new skills in a variety of different sports?
About encouraging children to challenge themselves by trying something new?
About teaching them good sportsmanship and to have fun while they learn?
About teaching them qeuality and fair play for everyone?
About teaching them to encourage and support their teammates?
From what I, as a parent, observed at a basketball tournament Feb. 15 at John Paul II these things didn't come into play at all. Instead, while there is increased focus being placed on preventing bullying from taking place in the school system, the athletic program at Holy Family school is not only condoning it, but perpetuating it. This is causing children to feel badly about themselves and teaching them they are not good enough. It seems winning can be at the cost of children's self esteem. There were three or four boys who were given little or no opportunity to even play.
I know children need to learn that sometimes life comes with disappointments and they may not always "make the team." My argument comes when it is fundamental learning and if a child is told they are not good enough, is there truly any reason for them to try? Is this what the education system is supposed to be doing to our children?
I have always tried to support my boys to try new things and get involved to see if it is something they might like to do. Not everyone is going to make it to the NBA but it is sure a good start in Grade 6 to find activities we can carry with us to our adulthood. I participated in school sports and although I never excelled and reached the Tournament of Hearts or the world volleyball championships it is a love I have carried with me to this day. I would hope as educators this school would try to develop and increase students' self esteem rather than crush it.
Am I an upset parent? You bet I am! Have I raised my concerns with the school? You bet I have! My hope is that by expressing my opinion I am also teaching my children it is OK to stand up for themselves and that how they feel is important and worthwhile fighting for.
Participation and activities should be encouraged. Not only is it an excellent way to encourage socialization in an increasingly isolated society, in a time of increasing concerns with child obesity and the electronic world should children not be encouraged and supported to get involved?
The golden rule tells us to treat others as we would want to be treated. I certainly never expected that a lesson taught at school would be to tell someone on the playground they can't play because they are not good enough and we really want to win.
Perhaps it is time to take a look at what we value. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is focusing on a patient first approach to health care. Maybe it is time the Ministry of Education encourages the same type of student first approach in the education system.
Tammy Dimmick
North Battleford
