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A new survey presented at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons entitled "Sidelined due to COVID-19: Youth Athletes Sleep More, Practice Less, and May Lose Interest in Playing Sports Due to Social Distancing Mandates," made some shocking discoveries on the effects of COVID-19 on youth athletes. The study found that when single-sport youth athletes have their routine disrupted they may be at greater risk for depression, demonstrating the need for increased education and research in mental health for adolescent athletes. Females who played fewer years of sports were at greater risk for anxiety symptoms during the shutdown. Increased screentime and decreased opportunities for youth to experience physical activity and sports will ultimately have lasting impacts not just on their physical health, but their mental health. It has become increasingly important to invest in youth sports to prevent the mental health effects we are seeing among children. For more information on this study, please visit:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/effects-of-covid-19-on-youth-athletes-higher-depression-and-anxiety-scores-for-single-sport-athletes-and-females-increased-sleep-and-outdoor-time-for-younger-athletes-301364590.html
Last month, Team Snap released findings from a research study which explored the effects of the pandemic on young people and youth sports. The study reported 89% of parents citing mental health as a top reason their children participate in youth sports, and 52% of parents revealing that their children’s mental health and physical fitness decreased during the pandemic. The pandemic has led to an increase in screen time, which certainly resulted in a decrease in physical activity. This study has highlighted not only the negative impacts of COVID-19, but also importance of sports in youth development. As we near the return to school, now more than ever we must invest resources and energy in youth sports and physical activity.
Although we were sad to miss in the 2020 Olympics, she was still hard at work using her platform to pay it forward. Having grown up in Brooklyn, NY Nzingha saw a void in opportunities for youth to play niche sports, such as fencing. Through her program , children from under-represented communities have the opportunity to try the sport through FREE programs aimed at promoting physical activity. Thank you, Nzingha for your generous contribution of expanding access to disadvantaged communities across the five boroughs.
Today’s is dedicated to newly inducted Hall of Famer . We applaud Peyton for highlighting the importance of youth football during his induction speech. A long-time supporter of youth sports, Peyton's foundation, the PeyBack Foundation, assists disadvantaged youth by providing leadership and growth opportunities through youth sports. Thank you, Peyton, for your commitment to youth sports, and congratulations on your Hall of Fame induction!
Today marks the closing ceremonies of the and the end of our series. We applaud the efforts of the Olympians who fought their way to represent our country on a global platform. Each of these athletes have their own unique story- starting out their dreams of becoming an Olympian while in their youth. Our message to all those inspired by the Olympians is to get involved in your local youth sports organization today to become the next Brady Ellison, Caroline Marks, or Crystal Dunn!
Good luck, Good luck, Jordan Windle who will compete in tonight's semi-final for ! Jordan’s talents were first recognized at a young age while attending a summer camp hosted by renowned diving coach Ron O’Brien’s son, Tim. Jordan quickly rose to the top of the competition, while facing adversity in the eyes of the public. Growing up, Jordan fell victim to bullying. Being adopted from Cambodia at the age of two by a gay, single man, Jordan was certainly different from others. He has since used his personal experience to stop the spread of hate and become an anti-bullying advocate. Congratulations, Jordan, on making the Olympic team and thank you for supporting inclusion through sports!
17-year-old made headlines as the youngest American to qualify for in the and took 3rd during yesterday's qualification round. A climbing phenomenon, Colin began the sport at the young age of 5, won his first youth world championships at 13, and qualified for the Olympics three years later. Keep up the good work, Colin, and thank you for supporting the message of being active starting at an early age!
Teamwork is an important life skill taught through sports at an early age. reminds us of the importance of teamwork outlined by the National Youth Sports Strategy as we watched step up in Simone Biles absence for . With Simone’s return to the games today, taking home bronze and Suni’s performance where she placed in 5th, we are reminded of how provides benefits beyond those associated with physical activity. Congratulations and thank you, Simone and Suni, for setting example for all youth!
Today’s is dedicated to Hannah Roberts BMX, the first American to qualify for the inaugural in the , who took home silver on Sunday. Hannah began the sport at 9 years old with the guidance of her cousin, mentor and top BMX rider . She quickly climbed the ladder as a BMX Freestyle star, entering her first competition three years later. Congratulations, Hannah, on an amazing accomplishment & thank you for promoting the message of inclusivity as a member of the community!
Today marks the debut of Track & Field at the , and we are proud to highlight 17-year-old Erriyon Knighton. Erriyon became a track star early on his career, shattering Usain Bolt’s World Junior records only after starting the sport his freshman year in high school. We are excited to watch the young athlete’s career unfold as he represents and continues to inspire young runners while supporting the NYSS message of “Youth Sports for All”.
We are happy to highlight women's soccer player, Crystal Dunn who will take the field tomorrow vs the Netherlands. Crystal has used her own struggles to inspire other girls of color to achieve their goals of becoming soccer superstars. A former national youth team member and two-time Olympian, Crystal continues to give back to her hometown of Queens by hosting soccer clinics for young girls. Thank you, Crystal, for your dedication to giving back and inspiring young girls of color to achieve their goals!
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