Importance of elementary sports

I am a freshman at Mead High School. After reading about potential budget cuts in our school district, I felt compelled to write. One of the items on the chopping block is elementary school sports.

In the big picture of the budget shortfall, this incredibly important line item does not take away much from the bottom line. The positive attributes of school sports far outweighs any reduction in cost. Leadership skills and healthy habits learned through after-school activities are an important part of the education experience.

For some kids, school sports are the only exposure to physical activity they have. Not everyone can afford to participate in club activities. Elementary sports began my love for each game. I’m not sure I would have the same drive to succeed without it. Playing sports gives children an understanding of teamwork and dedication.

I have a younger brother in elementary school. It makes me incredibly sad to think he won’t have the same opportunities I had. We are going backwards. To our legislators and leadership in the Mead School District, please reconsider this decision. It will be far more costly than you realize.

Presley Petragallo

Spokane