Sports matters because it “is vital, it is viable, it is basic, and it is essential. Sport is not a frivolous distraction as one may first, without thinking, believe. Sport is an equal-opportunity teacher. It is a non-partisan event. It is universal in its application. “

”I see sport as an antidote to some of the balkanization that we see occurring in our society; everybody wanting their own private little piece of turf; an absolute abandonment of any sense of common purpose, of the common good. It is almost a cliche to say there is no `I’ in the word team. If you are so focused on self, you cannot have any awareness of the common good.

”Another reason why I believe sport is essential is self-esteem. In order to be a contributor to American life, each individual needs to have a high regard for himself or herself first. Sport can do that. If you get out there and you have never been recognized for anything before in your life, if you show some capability, some particular tilt, and talent for a sport, it gives you self-esteem.

”I believe that sport can teach lessons in ethics and values for our society. It is attractive to the young, and how many times have we heard someone despair over the plight of our young people.” If you give them something to engage their energies, you would see that it might be something which lures them into the community of mankind and womankind.”

Teams share victories, losses, work-outs, fellowship, sorrow, pain, and joy. No matter your political bias, Barbara Jordan made a touchdown and spiked the ball with her insight into the importance of sports in building team bonds and individual self-esteem.

Click on the link denoted in blue font to understand the importance of sports in a child's development.

Children who play team sports tend to have better mental health outcomes than kids who don't: study | Fox News

I witnessed the importance of sports at a reunion on March 10/2018, at Mark’s Hunting Ranch with members of an early 1970s recruiting class.

Here are some of the members of that era sharing fellowship at the recent May 2022 Round-up luncheon. May 2022 l to r Bob Lenz, Rusty Campbell, Tommy Woodard, Steve Cumley, Mark Halfmann.

THE TEAMMATE BOND IS not COMPLETE until respect is earned:

Teammates share victories, losses, workouts, fellowship, sorrow, pain, and joy together. These interactions create the bond that last a lifetime. Respect earned remains years after the glory days in sports have ended.