Sportsmanship. Matters.

Sportsmanship matters. Respect matters. Civility matters. Integrity matters. Regardless of what we see or hear, there is still a need for the work we do and support. This is not an ad or a justification statement. Think of this post as a rallying cry. Educating our kids, parents, coaches, and officials on the value of sportsmanship is more important than ever. Oh, you don't believe me? In the words of my dear mother, you don't believe fat meat's greasy, do you? That's OK. I have indisputable visual evidence in the following video (email subscribers click here).



While this youth sports disaster happened in Florida, don't think that it can't or won't take place in Anytown, USA. That's why the Sportsmanship Brigade will be out tonight, next week, and the week after that. The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of St. Louis Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sports events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. When an athlete, coach, or fan is caught doing the right thing, they are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. As you can see from the video, people can't wait to break out their smartphones when something bad happens. Let's see what goes on when the Brigade comes to your neighborhood looking for something good to happen.

The Sportsmanship Brigade will attend the Ladue vs. St. Louis University High football game tonight. We'll be in Collinsville next Friday (9/9) for its game against Alton. The Brigade will also be in attendance when Lift For Life Academy takes on Cleveland ROTC on Saturday, September 17. Speaking of Lift For Life, thanks to Principal Katrice Noble for stepping up in a big way to help kids defeat bullying. Her entire sixth and seventh grade classes will join us for the free screening of That's What I Am at the Moolah Theater on Tuesday, September 27 at 9:30 a.m. Don't worry, Mrs. Noble didn't take all the space. There's still room for your school or youth organization. Call 314-345-5130 or email salexander@stlsports.org to register. Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol