Competitive athletes aren’t just the ones seen on television playing for famous sports teams. No, competitive athletes are made up of a group of people who are dedicated to training, practicing, and competing in a sport that they put their all into. Being a competitive athlete isn’t about getting the highest score, the most points or the fastest finish. Instead, modern competitive athletes are aware of the impact they are having on their peers, their neighborhoods, and younger generations. That’s why you see competitive athletes take part in events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Giving the Youth a Real Reason to Connect
There have been local neighborhood sports teams for a long time, but today they are more socially impactful than ever. Instead of seeing kids outside playing during the summer, they are usually cooped up indoors, talking to friends on the internet, playing video games, or watching television. There is a childhood obesity epidemic going on but the fight is just as much against fast food as it is sedentary lifestyles. Competitive youth sports are giving children a reason to connect, get active, and make a social impact on their peers.
Teaching Generations How to Persevere
A lot of people don’t have the easiest time dealing with change. Even fewer seem to be able to find the inspiration and fortitude necessary to start new projects and see them through. This is not a criticism but an actual phenomenon that has been recorded by researchers and historians alike. In fact, millennials have been known to criticize themselves for being procrastinators, and sometimes, cry-babies. Those who get involved in competitive sports find it easier to cope with other difficulties in life. They learn first-hand what it means to persevere, no matter what they end up having to deal with.
Role Models and Fundraising
There is no doubt about the fact that competitive sports create role models. No matter what sport is played, in what country, by what team, each athlete is going to have a support group of fans who look up to him or her. When these role models are given a platform, they often use their positions and voices to bring attention to special causes, like with fundraising or even awareness. Charities and fundraising committees can make custom lapel pins for their spokesperson athletes to wear while competing, giving speeches, or meeting with fans. Charities and causes in need are greatly impacted by competitive sports, as it helps them to become more visible.
Making Fitness a Priority
As life has become more convenient for mankind, people really have begun to struggle with staying fit and healthy. People are more likely to work in an office building than a farm nowadays, so sedentary lifestyles have absolutely become the norm. Competitive sports may be recreational but they can also be a key part of staying on track of your fitness goals. Many competitive athletes have advocated for sports education in schools as well as encouraged people as a whole to get up and get moving. So, whether you have aspirations to start cycling on the weekends or to start doing laps in the pool, it was likely a competitive athlete that helped you find your motivation.
Playing a competitive sport can aid you in staying in shape. Being a team player will make you more social and help you to resolve conflicts amicably. The social impact that competitive sports has on the world at large is even more impressive. From seeing how competitive sports have impacted gender equality and given disadvantaged groups of people an opportunity to shine, there is no substitute in the world that can take their place. Even if you haven’t played a sport in years, there is a team, league, or athletic organization that you can join today and start to make a positive change in your life and in others.
