Answer:
Dear Editor
Explanation: Middle school is a time students first begin to figure out who they are, to begin to have more of a say in the direction of their lives. Interests change and begin to develop. Offering physical outlets in the form of organized sports at a middle school level helps students form new friendships, develop confidences that haven't begun to emerge and navigate competition and conflict in settings that are for the first time, away from watchful parental eyes. Some of these same students will begin to hone physical skills that will lead to championship games and records building pride in community and connections in the community. These same students may begin to form attachments and feelings for their home towns that they will nurture as financially successful adults; helping fund programs in these same communities or volunteering in them as adults. Competitive and organized sports can lead to educational opportunities some students could simply not afford, what better idea than to help these students nurture talent that will grow into opportunity for them.
