It has been well-documented that children and teens are becoming increasingly sedentary. Living in a society of working parents, latch-key kids and often unforgivable schedules, today’s young people are falling prey to very poor dietary habits and an appalling lack of physical activity. Far too much junk food and fast-food meals, along with addictions to computers, video games and television, are resulting in growing numbers of unhealthy (even obese) children.

This situation is complicated by an economic crisis that dictates that many families can no longer afford gym memberships and fees for sports teams and equipment. Parents feel obligated to rely on the school system to provide their children with opportunities for fitness. This is unfortunate as, with insufficient funding, many schools look to physical education programs (along with the arts) as places to implement cost-cutting measures. In many cases, after-school sports programs are being cut or simply eliminated due to a lack of volunteers to run them. This does not bode well for the health of a nation’s young people.

It also needs to be recognized that participation in sports activities provides more than physical benefits. Students who play team and individual sports can experience much improved self-esteem as they succeed, improve and even excel in their chosen activities. This self-esteem boost engenders confidence, not only in sports, but in all areas of student life. Those who take part in team sports learn to work as an integral and important part of that team. They learn cooperation, sportsmanship and to recognize and appreciate the value of competition and the accomplishments of others. Schools and their associated boards would be well-served to find sporting activities that require less funding and which focus more heavily on their value to the individual students rather than the reputation and notoriety of the school. One of these sports is, undoubtedly, track and field.

Track and field is an umbrella term for a grouping of sports. A typical track and field program will include running, jumping and throwing events. There are so many positives to including track and field in schools. The activities can take place indoors and outdoors. This means that physical education classes can also be used to supplement and train towards track and field participation. Virtually any student can achieve a level of proficiency to participate in some element of track and field. Many schools will also schedule a “track and field day” as a fun and healthy event.

Children are quite directly impacted and encouraged by awards. Track and field is certainly an awards-based sport and is rather unique in the fact that, although students may be part of a track and field team, most awards are individual (with the exception of events such as relay races). At the earliest levels, schools should be encouraged to offer age-appropriate ribbons for participation to encourage each child’s desire for further competition. Later on, winning races and outdistancing the competition by throwing farther and jumping higher are rewarded either by ribbons or medals for first, second and third place or by the color system of bronze, silver and gold. In team and school competitions, there are also many plaques and trophies awarded for overall accomplishment. Giving awards for track and field provides support and encouragement for those who need it most and may propel others towards greater hopes and dreams. Awards for track and field are a cornerstone of the Olympics and other Games and some solid work by school and school boards today may result in a great deal of pride in the future.