Page 11 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 33

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presents Sports Panel

Another School year is once again just around the corner. What advice do you have for kids (and their parents) who are thinking of playing school
or organized sports during the school year.

Jim Riddell - Seaway Karate Club - There are so many sports available for today’s youth. I would recommend that one try a wide
variety of sports and activities, both team and individual, to see which are enjoyed the most, and which ones he or she is best at. There

are numerous benefits to be gained from participating in organized sport. Friends will be made, time management and discipline skills
learned, and if a sport is continued; leadership skills which will help later in life. No matter which sport is chosen it will involve a
parental commitment consisting of money, time, transportation, and most of all, support.

Gilles Gaudet - Sports Enthusiast - My advice to kids and parents would be to just do it. Over 30% of Canadian children can now
be categorized as obese. That’s an embarrassing and unhealthy statistic. One way to reverse this trend would be to ensure that our
children play intramural sports at school, and continue to participate in other physical activities outside of school hours. It’s not a ‘nice
to have’, it’s something as parents that we need to encourage, so that our children grow up to be healthy productive adults. In this

age of sedentary behaviour, our kids will also benefit from social interaction with other children, and learn about winning and more
importantly, losing in a competitive atmosphere. As an added bonus, children might have fun and enjoy playing sports. Imagine that!

Jake Lapierre - Conditioning Coach - Sports activities play a significant positive part in the school and social experience of many
children. However, be aware of any negative drawbacks. Children playing sports in school or organized sports often enjoy a positive
social interaction which can help a youngster learn effective skills, interacting with peers and adults. When a child feels welcomed
into this environment, school performance may become stronger. Kids playing sports learn valuable lessons on how to cooperate with
others, play fairly, and develop self-discipline as he or she strives to excel at a sport. Children need daily physical activity to stay healthy
and strong and these activities often have a direct impact on children’s emotional well-being. Kids may have reduced bouts of anxiety and depression

and increased self-esteem, which may improve confidence. The focus of sports participation should centre on learning skills, developing teamwork, and
having fun. If a focus turns toward unhealthy competition, the experience could become negative. Supervise and monitor your child’s sporting experience
to ensure that the positives outweigh the negatives. Get involved and ensure your child keeps sports participation in perspective to keep it positive.

The Cornwall Colts are pleased to once again offer a

free season ticket to all “Littles” with Big Brothers/

Big Sisters of Cornwall and District.

Submitted Story

We applaud Amanda (Brisson – BBBS Executive Director)
“and the work her team puts into to ensuring their Littles have
every opportunity to enjoy various events,” said Colts owner Ian
MacInnis. “We’re more than happy to welcome each and every
one of them to our high calibre, junior hockey family friendly
games.”

In photo: Ground (front row) L to R: Ian MacInnis, Colts owner,
David Murphy, Cornwall Colts Marketing & Promotions,
Middle Row: Tiana, Savanna, Trinity, Desiree
Back Row: Amanda Brisson, BBBS Executive Director and
Danielle Brisson, BBBS Caseworker Photo Submitted