LAS VEGAS May 2, 2015 — With the recent focus on the upcoming Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight, now more than ever, people are focused on sports. In addition, many young people who live under depressed economic circumstances believe that success in sports is their best path to success and eventual financial freedom.
But should young people place all of their proverbial eggs in one basket and hope that one day they to can live the high-life young people so often see in the media?
Bob Cook wrote in Forbes that “poverty hurts, not helps” young minorities chances of becoming professional athletes.
Cook argues that some minority parents are unable to pay for the extra training their young athletes need at the beginning of their athletic career. He goes on to argue that youth athletes from “stable” and “prosperous” homes are able to avoid more pitfalls than their less fortunate peers.
The benefits of participating in sports outweighs the negatvies of not playing. When children play sports, they learn to communicate with others, problem solve, and how to work as a team.
Stephen Lintner wrote that among African Americans in the USA, 1 out of 3,500 male youth athlete may become an professional baseball player. While that figure may seem overwhelming, it is not when compared the 1 in 10,000 chances that Caucasian Americans have to become professional baseball players.
Education is a safer avenue and better bet for success.
In the USA, children have the opportunity to play all sports. However, sports should not be looked upon as the key to salvation. In other words, don’t place all of your youngter’s eggs in one basket.
Balance their youth with education, community, and yes – sports.
Photo by Eirfan Ketinggalan / flickr
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