July is National Parks and Recreation Month and July 20-27 is National Youth Sports Week – be sure to take advantage of a special offer at the end of this article in recognition of these events!

You’ve seen them, sat next to them, and possibly cringed as they voraciously coach, criticize, commend and cheer for their children at every Little League sporting event. Yes, I’m talking about the over-stereotyped “soccer parent”. A season spent hanging out on the bleachers with these zealous fans may not top your list of things to do on a Saturday morning, especially if your child doesn’t happen to be the next Mia Hamm or Matt Holliday. For some parents the answer is easy, but for others it’s not. But perhaps a better understanding of how sports can be a crucial childhood ingredient leading to a healthier and more productive adulthood will win you over.

Health
According to the Center for Disease Control, over the past thirty years in the United States childhood obesity more than doubled for those aged 2-5 and 12-19, and more than tripled for children ages 6-11. The latest estimates suggest that 16% of children in the United States between the ages of 6 and 19, and 25% of U.S. adults are obese.

Lack of physical activity is a contributing factor to these statistics. Children and adolescents should participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week, preferably daily. In 2005, only 37% of Colorado youth met this recommendation.

Recreational sports programs are a fun, easy, affordable and convenient way for kids and parents alike to create an active lifestyle. These types of healthy habits created in childhood have a better chance of carrying over into adulthood and make great strides in reducing the chance for future heart problems and chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

Character Building
There are so many positives that children gain and learn from their experiences participating in organized sports. Characteristics like self esteem, teamwork, perseverance, humility, and acceptance begin to emerge. They develop skills, take turns, work with others, follow directions, try hard, handle disappointment, experience successes, set goals, and strategize. Sound like an excerpt from the last job description you read?

Ever heard that sports keep kids out of trouble? Well it’s true. A CDC survey of 4,000 high school students indicate that low activity levels are associated with various risk behaviors: tobacco and pot use, lower fruit and vegetable consumption, greater TV watching, failure to wear a seat belt, and lower perception of academic performance. According to the White House Office of National Drug Control, the top reasons kids ages 9 – 17 say “No” to Drugs are: Sports, 30%; Hobbies, 16%; Family and Friends,14%; Arts, 12%, and Music, 11%.

And the Most Important Reason of All…
What else, but FUN! After all, that’s what kids are all about isn’t it?


The Lafayette Recreation Department is proud of the opportunities and quality programs we offer the surrounding community. We invite you and your children to participate in any of our vast line up of sports and general interest classes. Peruse through the Online Recreation Guide or visit the Upcoming Activities webpage for all the details.

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As a special celebration of Parks and Recreation month, we would like to invite families to experience the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center or the LaMont Does Outdoor Pool for FREE on Sunday, July 27.

To take advantage of the Free Family Day on July 27, visit the Recreation Department website, print out the coupon and bring it with you to either facility.

We look forward to seeing you!
Contact information:
City of Lafayette Recreation Dept
111 W. Baseline Rd
Lafayette, CO 80026
(303)665-0469
www.cityoflafayette.com/recreation

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