Sports facility good for kids

I would like to bring some clarity as to why our community needs to support the sports facility proposed for the corner of Glenrose and 37th Avenue (Morning Star Boys Ranch property).

More so than at any time in American history, a child’s life unfolds in a mix of schools, churches, after-school programs, media influences and numerous peer group settings. Interest in sports and physical activity starts in this environment and is either encouraged by family and community, or it dwindles.

Numerous studies have shown a child’s athletic participation is associated with a higher physical and emotional health and discourages drug and alcohol use. Sports participation is also linked to academic achievement and cultivates a positive family environment.

We, as a community, have to take responsibility to provide our youth with every opportunity to develop a healthy, physically active lifestyle. The proposed Glenrose sports facility will be a community asset that will have lasting benefits for generations to come. The alternative to this facility will likely be a housing development.

Eric Sawyer

Executive director, Spokane Regional Sports Commission

Spokane