The Awards and Personalization Association encourages all retailers and suppliers to work with their customers to develop meaningful recognition programs that will benefit children around the world.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Louise Ristau
847.375.4785
Youth Sports Awards Have Value: The Case for Recognizing Effort
Chicago, IL (August 6, 2015) Sports and other youth activities have undeniable value in helping children develop physically, socially, and intellectually. It’s a fact that organized group activities teach children the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship, and commitment. And with childhood obesity a national problem, we need to do everything we can to encourage kids to be active!
Presenting children with awards at the end of a season is one way to encourage kids and keep them interested in participating. However, this practice has come under fire by some researchers and is being said to cause children to feel entitled, to accept mediocrity, and to be a de-motivator. While other less vocal experts believe that children and parents should focus on the effort, not the outcome – exactly what participation awards are intended to highlight.
“A participation award is just a moment in time,” said Awards and Personalization Association President Greg Della Badia of Tropar Mfg. Co. “It’s a stretch to say not being able to handle losing can be caused by receiving a few awards during childhood years for playing on a team. No one is suggesting that participation awards be given out with the message that you don’t need to try. These awards are a memento for being a part of a team or group. Our association encourages coaches and parents to find something special to highlight when recognizing each player, such as sportsmanship, improvement, or spirit. Perhaps we should be studying what really influences children – the people who influence their lives.”
To help our industry on a grassroots level, the Awards and Personalization Association has developed a tip sheet for you to share with your customers: the coaches and parents who purchase team awards. This print-ready tool provides ideas about developing and implementing a meaningful sports recognition program. The flyer is attached and also is available on the Awards and Personalization Association homepage.
The Awards and Personalization Association encourages all retailers and suppliers to work with their customers to develop meaningful recognition programs that will benefit children around the world.
# # #
The Awards and Personalization Association is an international not-for-profit organization serving retailers and suppliers in the personalization and recognition industry. The association comprises 2,200 member companies. In line with its mission of advancing the professionalism and success of the industry, the association hosts an annual International Awards & Personalization Expo in Las Vegas, the largest trade show in the industry, publishes a monthly magazine, Recognition Review; and offers a variety of member benefits. For more information, visit www.AwardsPersonalization.org.