We love seeing the energy the students bring to the court during the basketball season and other tournaments throughout the school year. But is there really any benefit beyond a simple competition? A small school can have a huge impact on students even with a relatively humble sports program.
Character Training Team sports give students an opportunity to develop good sportsmanship. Playing as a team, students see that they have to work together, and that being kind to one another really has its benefits. Throughout the school year, year after year, we really see a change in the students during games. They learn to not only work as a team, but to be an encouragement to one another, including their opponents. Though they may struggle with it at times, it does get noticeably easier for them to demonstrate what it means to love their neighbors.
Stewardship Skills Since our sports program is integrated within our physical education classes, students who may not normally participate in sports are nudged into taking a risk that helps them grow as future leaders. They put themselves out in front of others, make mistakes yet keep on going. And, older or more skillful students step up and direct their teammates on the court and between games. Sometimes our teachers, especially during breaks, will take time to play alongside the students showing them what playing humbly yet skillfully truly looks like. This experience helps to shape players as godly stewards of the talents God has given them, now and for the future.
We are proud of all the students for stepping up, playing their best games, and encouraging one another. It is great fun seeing the competitive side of students, but more importantly, it is a delight to see the impact playing sports as a team has on each of our student’s character.
