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LaRocque, Theresa

College of Education and Social Services

2005

M. Ed.

Sport is a beloved pastime, as well as a trendy present day commodity; the effects of sport on today's youth and how it is used as a socializing tool is very important to look at. Citizens both young and old love to participate as well as view sporting events; it is seen as a part of leisure and can also be tied to status. Because so many individuals are attached to sport in some manner, the socialization factor that is represented through sport is something to be seriously considered. Through my extensive participation and involvement in: sport from the age of eight to twenty-two, I strongly endorse the benefits of participating in sports in a comfortable, non-threatening environment for preadolescent and adolescent children. I discuss the values that I have learned throughout my career in sports, as well as the impact sport had on me as an individual. I then go on to talk about how sport in the present day has changed to a mentality that is "win-at-all-costs". I talk about the negative aspects of sports today, occurring in youths leagues and continuing into the professional levels. I conclude by stressing the importance for reclaiming sport for the children of today and discuss how I plan to do my part.