Forget What I Always Say About Hating Sports

 

OK, you know how I hate sports? Especially that one time I had to live in a small Southern city for three years and everyone in the whole joint was obsessed with SEC football?

Today, I ask you to forget all that.

If you have a daughter or are planning to do so, please take heed: today is Blog to Rally for Girls' Sports Day.

As you can probably guess, I didn't go far with any sport when I was growing up. As soon as I realized I was not good, or that I didn't like running and exerting myself, I gave up. I don't feel I missed out on all the fun by not going to games in high school, but I still think I did myself a disservice.

I didn't learn about healthy competition. I didn't learn persisitence. I didn't become fit. I didn't become confident.

I was contacted by someone from the National Women's Law Center about today's blogging event with some background information, but here's what jumped out to me:

Research has repeatedly shown that participation in sports has many benefits for young women...Female athletes have higher levels of self-esteem, a lower incidence of depression and a more positive body image than non-athletes.

Well, gee, that sounds like the opposite of me when growing up. And even now, just moving and exerting myself really makes a difference in mood, I've noticed, even if you have to force yourself to go out and walk, or ride a bike, or run at the end of the dog's walk (running with two big dogs = instant mood boost, although it's incredibly alarming to other pedestrians).

I am married to a jock. He is extremely confident. Of course other factors come into play when forming such traits, but I think there's a definite correlation that can be drawn here. So I don't have that athletic background, but sometimes I benefit from his when I'm discouraged and he rallies me like a coach.

I found this notable also:

Female athletes are also more likely to participate in traditionally male-dominated occupations, which are typically higher paying. In addition, more than four out of five executive businesswomen played sports growing up, and the vast majority reported that the lessons they learned on the playing field contributed to their success in business.

OK. That's my PSA. And that's...

(I still hate sports.)

Locals, don't forget to come to my reading series Show and Tell on Monday, December 13 to hear and see five fabulous Christmas (/other seasonal celebration) stories! RSVP here on the Facebook!

Comments

[The Girl Revolution]

"I didn't learn about healthy competition. I didn't learn persisitence. I didn't become fit. I didn't become confident."

I'm with you there sister, but I am super-happy that I've taken up athletic ventures in my 30's.

[Naomi]

Teen girls who play sports are also less likely to get pregnant and they have a healthier body image.

[Apollo]

I played a lot of sports when I was growing up. They just all happened to be on the Nintendo.

[Tobin Vance]

You know, there is always the idea of spectating at the event. I'm not much of a jock myself, but I've been going to games since I was a kid. There's a lot to be said for the experience.
I've gotten some Outback Bowl tickets from http://amazonticketsonline.com/Outback-Bowl for this December. Not only is it a great excuse for a road trip, it's a good way to bond with (gasp) your family.