Youth sports provide a great avenue for your kids to build self-esteem and learn invaluable life lessons.
They also provide an opportunity for parents and coaches to teach the importance of good sportsmanship to youth athletes. Our kids look to their role models for guidance, and when adults and athletes have a win-at-all-costs mentality, it can tarnish the game and bring out the worst in everyone. Good sportsmanship matters.
Liberty Mutual Insurance Responsible Sports sat down with budding young U.S. Ski Team star Katie Ryan to get her thoughts on the importance of good sportsmanship.
In our exclusive TAKE 5 interview, Katie told us that the current state of sportsmanship in alpine skiing is exceptional.
“The culture of alpine skiing today is one of the most fun loving yet focused [cultures] I’ve been a part of,” said Katie. “Of course, the competitiveness is there, but underneath that, it takes a tight-knit village to be able to put on a race.”
Katie also told us how she displays good sportsmanship out on the snow, and emphasized that “it makes a difference.” She also shared an example of good – and selfless – sportsmanship that just might surprise you. Read her full Q&A for her story.
Katie also believes parents and coaches can play a big role in the development of youth athletes and their sportsmanship practices.
“Show your athletes how they should act by doing unto others as you would have them do unto you,” said Katie. “It means helping another team out, pitching in on course work and congratulating other athletes. Not yelling at your own.”
Katie also had some memorable and colorful advice for youth athletes and good sportsmanship.
“Be the best skier during your race,” said Katie. “But then leave it on the race hill.”
To read the full TAKE 5 interview with Katie, visit ResponsibleSports.com. And come back next month for another exclusive TAKE 5 interview!
At Liberty Mutual Insurance, we constantly look for ways to celebrate the countless acts of responsibility shown by people every day. We created Responsible Sports, powered by Positive Coaching Alliance, as part of this belief to help ensure that our kids experience the best that sports have to offer in environments that promote and display responsibility. We believe kids can learn valuable life lessons when coaches and parents come together to support winning on and off the hill.
Join the Responsible Sports movement!
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