By Michele Sheppard

Public Opinion

Driving by the local school and park fields this spring, one can not help but observe the children and coaches learning and practicing for spring sports.

Sports around the world have provided many a child with opportunities to enjoy physical activity and the fundamentals of teamwork and sportsmanship -- considered by many a necessary and formative childhood experience.

At a fundamental level, youth sports -- whether team or individual -- originally evolved as ways for all children to learn and improve sports skills, obviously in hopes of discovering new talent for the future.

I also like to think that a more health- and social-conscious intention fostered the youth sports movement. But like so many good intentions, once adults with egos and money become involved, what may have once been a great way for children to "play" has become a venue for parents to often live vicariously.

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