With our current economic climate, school cuts surround us. Of course there are opinions about what programs should be cut; each area obviously has its own set of advocates.

When discussing whether to cut Libraries or Sports, there is certainly going to be a difference of opinion. After all, it’s not like it’s “Math or Language Arts?”. These two areas are on opposite ends of the spectrum and you would expect a big difference between those that advocate sports and those that advocate libraires. In one of Blogboard’s posts, there is a response to G.S. Feet’s article supporting high school athletics questioning if “schools and communites have their priorities backwards.” 

I say no. Sports are one of the most powerful avenues for kids. Not only do they teach a lifelong skill and have immediate phycial fitness benefits, there are long-term effects, as well. Sports teach lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom. Responsibility, time-management, committment, and dedication are all by-products of being a part of something bigger than an individual. So, when schools are looking for cuts, please don’t consider athletics. There are too many life-readiness skills that will be lost.