Can I put in a good word about sports?
I’m a volunteer and coach with Richmond Softball Association, which recently changed its name from Richmond Girls Softball Association, to be more inclusive.
July is peak softball season and this year I helped at two provincials and participated at another one, all held at Steveston London Park and McNair Secondary Park.
I’ve been with the same team for more than 15 years and I’ve seen the players grow from teenagers to moms themselves. Even though the players are mostly in their 30s now, the parents still come out to cheer them on.
I suspect this is true of most sporting organizations, but it always surprises me how strong a community is built among softball teams and volunteers. There are the players, who get friendship, fitness and other benefits like stress release and organizational skill development.
There are the coaches and managers who also get friendship and leadership skills. There are the volunteers doing everything from cleaning up the park to coordinating the tournament to keeping score at the games. They also get friendship and community, as well as knowing they’re contributing to a good cause.
These benefits flow whether it’s a recreational league or the highest rep level; whether you’re a beginner or an old pro.
My mom and my father-in-law are big lawn bowlers, and I know they get similar benefits from their sport, including a club that holds events like a regular board games day in the winter or a St. Patrick’s Day gathering. Even though the lawn bowling season is just a few months of the year, the social activities keep the members active and engaged all year.
I started playing pickleball this year.
First, I took lessons at a community centre. I enjoyed it so much, I’ve repeated the beginner lessons four times already. Plus, I’ve taken my husband out to the courts and taught him the basics, and I’ve joined friends for fun games and practice.
A recent Richmond News article was headlined Why aren't there more pickleball courts in Richmond, a question I find myself asking.
Pickleball courts in Richmond are always full, although there’s a good system for waiting to play the next game, but it makes it hard for beginners to feel comfortable if they’re expected to play with another group.
The article quotes a player as saying pickleball is easy to play, but hard to master. The fact that it’s easy to play makes it fun for all ages and fitness levels. It’s even fun for people who don’t like sports or physical activity.
Why wouldn’t a city want to support such a popular sport as much as possible? But in Richmond, the article says, we have half the number of pickleball courts as Delta but double the population.
In July, the City of Richmond touted a win as Canada’s Most Active City, so named by the national 2025 ParticipACTION Community Challenge.
The award comes with $100,000 to support physical activity and sport initiatives for Richmond residents. I know softballers would want it to go towards a new lit diamond at Steveston London Park, while pickleballers would vote for new courts. I’m sure hockey, soccer and other sports organizations would like more facilities, too.
Sports and active living contribute to physical and mental health.
I’m sure in the long run, investing in sporting facilities and organizations benefits a city in more ways than simply winning a contest – there must be financial and community benefits beyond counting.
I know the fiscal environment is risky right now and the future feels uncertain.
But an investment in sports – just like the personal benefits from getting involved – can only reap positive returns.
Tracy Sherlock is a freelance journalist who writes about education and social issues. Read her blog or email her [email protected].
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