Sportsmanship Day!

The month of March is National Sportsmanship Day and more than 12,000 colleges, universities, high schools, middle schools and elementary schools participated in the ninth annual National Sportsmanship Day "Dare to Play Fair" program March 2.

The objective of National Sportsmanship Day is to promote the critical role of ethics, honesty and fair play in athletics and throughout the state. Participating institutions focused their attention on sportsmanship with programs including essay and poster contests, student round-table discussions, and coaches' forums.

David Brennan, Director of National Sportsmanship Day says "We feel that reinforcing the principles of sportsmanship and fair play to students will not only raise awareness but will teach them valuable lessons that can be used throughout their lives, not just on the athletics field or court." Several Institutions and sports organizations across the country promoted National Sportsmanship Day in March through youth clinics and public-service announcements at games.

Sportsmanship also encompasses the spirit of good character and good competition, which is always a challenge here in our sports related venues throughout the state. There have been too many instances of poor character, bad judgment, and unruly parents along with athletes who have fallen short of the character of good sportsmanship.

Brian C. Anderson says, "Lets bring back sportsmanship. These days, athletes have moved from the sports section to the front pages of our daily newspapers. Not for their heroic feats on the playing fields but because of their thuggish and defiant behavior." I agree wholeheartedly! It's time to demand that athletes, parents and spectators, young and old understand the value of "discipline in competition" is the result of good character and sportsmanship. Sports is more than physical education. It is team cooperation, character, discipline, having passion and self-esteem. Whether you are an athlete, youth coach or parent at a sporting event, character does count. That's why we all should celebrate and acknowledge those who have shown great sportsmanship.