Cherie Gough
Dare to Dream The Olympic Games inspire kids to explore unique sports
If you missed February’s article “Play On! San Diego teens turn their passions into professions,” featuring local skateboarder, Bryce Wettstein, access the digital publication at www.sandiegofamily.com/ san-diego-family-digitalissues/san-diego-familymagazine-february-2020.
I remember my enthusiasm for the
Olympic Games as a young girl — they made my imagination soar. I turned cartwheels, improved my handspring and created routines as I dreamt of becoming a gymnast. This summer will be buzzing with excitement about the Olympics once again. Anticipation of the Games, which start in July, might inspire kids to try a new sport. Spring and summer camps and classes offer an opportunity to try unique sports (and well-known ones) that broaden a child’s experiences, keep them active and build confidence. “Exposing children to new experiences can help them develop growth mindset,” says Certified Life Coach Bonnie Hayman at Cultivate Counseling Collective in La Mesa.
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“This is the idea that we are constantly in a state of growing, and that we are always able to learn new things. Sports, creative activities, social settings and even new foods can encourage children to resist ‘I can’t’ or ‘I don’t like that’ attitudes that can hinder confidence and flexibility.” Tokyo 2020 will debut a plethora of sports, some well known and others less popular, many that are easy to find in San Diego. Go on — catch the wave of Olympic enthusiasm and enroll the kids in a sport off the beaten track.
Make a Splash Water sports, some of the most watched summer Olympic Games, enhance a child’s love for swimming and develop skills they can carry through life. Local recreation centers, universities and club pools offer opportunities
Westview High School’s Gabriel Schiering started playing water polo after watching the 2016 Olympics.