I think that if I were a child participating in Saturday’s (20th March) Sprint Battle #1, I would really want to have those closest to me by my side.
The importance of family and society cannot be downplayed in sport, especially in an athlete’s career. In fact, the presence or absence could very well determine their success. Look at Kipchoge, for example: he comes from a community where running is a CULTURE. This implies that even the lay person of the community connects with and actively participates in the sport. If one is not in school or working, they are probably out running and no one has an issue with that.
Sometimes, as parents, we tend to get so busy that all we can do is either pay for our children to partake in a certain sport or drop them off before we rush off for work or an appointment. For others, they simply have no idea what sport their children are in or even when the next game/competition is. And the worst, by far, are those who actively restrict their children from taking part in sport.
Did you know that by being there for your child boosts their confidence and motivation to succeed? These mental aspects of preparation could very well be what make the difference between first and second place.
Funnily enough, it is possible for a parent to be involved in their child’s sports life, but be the reason why the child would rather not do it. Perhaps the parent is very strict or abuses the child in one way or another that leaves them crying themselves to sleep. I wish my relationship with my father had been much better when he tried to teach me how to swim (like a pro). Maybe then I wouldn’t have preferred to feign sickness or hide rather than attend the swimming lessons. Who knows how far I might have been today?
Dear parents, it is in sport that you get to see your child(ren) express themselves in ways they probably wouldn’t do at home. For some of us it might be too late, but for those who still have a healthy relationship with their children, take interest in their choice of sport. And most importantly, remind them that no matter what, you love them and are proud of them. These words do go a long way in motivating a child.
For example, this Saturday we have our first kids bike race of the year at the Two Rivers Mall. What part are you playing in their success? Perhaps you’ll be attending the race? Or maybe you are encouraging them to take at least 5 minutes before they sleep to imagine themselves racing on the track? Or you are perhaps considering to bring them to the Two Rivers Sports District in the evening to test out their sprinting skills?
There are sooooo many things that could be done to improve their psyche that you could almost say that their performance is slightly directly proportional to your efforts.
For example, now that you are aware it is a sprint race, have you thought of searching for videos on YouTube to try and motivate them?
One thing I can promise you is this: physical training can only get you so far, but add mental preparedness and they’ll be unstoppable.
There are still 5 days to the race. What part are you playing?
Oh, and don’t be nice to them in sport then a total beast everywhere else. Such a child will tend to withdraw, and you’ll be left wondering when the last time you ever saw them truly smile and express themselves was.
(DISCLAIMER: This is a fully opined article, so feel free to agree or disagree in the comments below)
If you do have any questions, please contact me on +254707047249, or email duobearingsafrica@gmail.com
In case you would like to register for the Sprint Battle #1 happeing on 20th March at the Two Rivers Mall, please find the online registration link below:
WHO'S WORLD OF FANTASY WILL YOU DIVE INTO NEXT? 
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