Support Local Sporting Events

This weekend the USA Track and Field Championships will be held in Des Moines, IA.  This is a big deal and one that could lead to a potential bid for Des Moines to host the Olympic Trials in 2020.  Again, a pretty big deal!  Whether a USATF event is coming your way or your local little league has a ballgame scheduled next week, attending local sporting events is a great way to connect with your community and offer your encouragement and support to athletes.

I didn’t grow up very interested in sports.  I played softball a few years as a kid and tried out for volleyball.  I secretly had a love/hate relationship with the mile run for the physical fitness challenge in gym class.  Despite my take it or leave it attitude, I still liked cheering for the home team and attended many sporting events.  In college, one of my work study jobs was as a statistician for a variety of sports.  It forced me to go to events I would have otherwise never attended.  I remember having to get up super early on a Saturday to document runners at a cross country event.  It was the first XC event I had ever attended.  I sort of laughed off the sport as something I would never try but was very impressed with the hard trek they endured “just for fun.”

Once I became interested in running and biking, I had a strong desire to compete.  After a few larger events full of spectators, I realized how much I liked the cheering.  It pushed me to go harder and faster.  It reminded me to smile and be thankful for the opportunity to participate.  I know how much I appreciate the support and so I try to reciprocate by attending events and cheering for those participants, no matter how young or old, how skilled or new they may be.  Trust me, they appreciate it.

Whether you love sports or prefer it stay as background noise on TV, you’ll make a difference to the athletes by showing up and cheering them on.  You’ll be offering support to your community, maybe meet a few people and could end up actually having some fun.  I’m not sure which is more fun – watching first time soccer players (like the 4 and 5 year olds) move as a mass herd towards the soccer ball, watching weekend warriors work towards a finish with blood, sweat and tears or watching pro athletes break world records.  They each bring a different perspective but all give you a reason to smile and cheer.  Get out and enjoy!

If you’re in the Des Moines area this week and weekend, come out and support past Olympians, national champions and awe-inspiring track and field athletes.  Check out the USATF website for more information.  If you’re not attending, then find an event on the calendar you and your family or friends can go support and enjoy this summer!

Miss FitGab