Issues & Advice

“Anything we can do to give kids diversity in physical and physiological ways is a win,” says Steve Smith, PhD. Smith is a professor of clinical psychology at University of California, Santa Barbara and focuses on working with young athletes and parents,

Sports can provide so much more beyond the field. They can give us opportunities to grow as people.

The key is to make stretching something they want to do, not just something they have to do. Every gymnastics coach has his own training methods, but all top children’s coaches share the same priorities: They make safety No. 1 and fun a close second. Through gymnastics classes, children learn to follow instructions, build their […]

Swimming is one of the best exercises because it works our hearts and lungs, is low impact and builds strength because of water’s resistance. As swim parents, swimmers and coaches, we know the importance of a good club team. I’m not sure every city manager or parks and rec department fully understand swimming and how […]

After researching swim techniques for vision impaired athletes, Hermes discovered para-swimming, an adaptation of the sport for athletes with disabilities. McClain Hermes’ highlighter-yellow shoes carried her across the blue pool deck as her name flashed on the screen behind her. She walked steadily to the blocks, one hand gripped lightly to her cane and the […]

The program offers head-to-toe equipment, age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching to first-time players in a fun and safe atmosphere Area youth, including students from the University of Notre Dame Robinson Community Learning Center, took to the ice recently as part of the Little Blackhawks Learn to Play program, a legacy of the NHL Winter Classic at […]