It’s All Fun and Games
Editor's Letter: The Sports Issue
by Jennifer Cooper, posted on August 3rd, 2010 in The Sports Issue
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I’m fanatical about sport: there seems to me something almost religious about the fact that human beings can organise play, the spirit of play. -Simon Gray
What would compel someone to paint their naked belly two different colors and stand shirtless in freezing temperatures for hours? Why does the world stop every four years for the Olympics? If the genesis of sport is play, why are there news stories of parents getting kicked out of kids’ soccer games for poor sportmanship? Why did everyone, from the heads of state to the barista at the coffee shop care where LeBron ended up? Why do I lose my husband for the month of July when the Tour is on?
These are all questions running through my mind. They are the reason I wanted to dedicate an issue to sport.
I’m not what you’d call athletic. I’ve never won anything. In fact, when things turn athletic, I often come in last. I chose dancing when all the popular girls signed up for soccer. I taught myself how to swim as my peers perfected their strokes on swim team. While the rest of the kids were on the field playing kickball, you’d find me wandering around picking violets.
Twice I tried to convince myself I was athletic. It was a mad attempt at trying to fit in. I signed up for my middle school soccer team. We were to have a couple practices after school, then head to a regional competition where all the middle schools in the county were to face off. The experience of coming in last should have made me pause before signing up for the field hockey team a couple months later, but the lure of popularity won. Our team, on the other hand, did not.
Yet, I find myself inexplicably drawn to sport. It is a beautiful microcosom displaying all the depth of the human condition. Since the dawn of time, humans have taken to organizing their play. It’s quite extraordinary when you think about it, even to a non-athlete like me.
A few months back, my friend Cheryl, asked me to guest post on her blog. “But what should I write about?” I asked nervously. “Anything.” she replied. Anything. Hmm, anything in the world. So what was I compelled to share? A moment on the field during a three legged race.
Partially, I chose a race because Cheryl is a recovering sports writer. Partially I chose it because the race occurred around to the time she asked me. But mostly? Mostly, I chose the race because on the field I witnessed that microcosm again—the one of the human condition.
In this issue of Classic Play we explore all things sports. In our feature, we bring a neighborhood together for a cycling-themed party. In I Quit, we discover the lessons Jen Lockard learned when she decided to give up. Kirsten Nilsen is back this issue sharing what it means to be a true athlete. We also learn that while writer Carey Mednick may not be athletic, she is willing to be a team player for her son in The Football Pledge.
Also in this issue, we welcome some new friends. Jennifer Murnaghan from The Brothers Trimm joins us as she introduces us to a true sports hero in Game On? And you’ll meet the lovely Mr Tom & Mrs Emily. They kick things off with an original short story the whole family will enjoy featuring the lovable, and often mischievous, duo: the Fox and Polar Bear.
Of course we also offer up an easy craft and a fun download for the kids—color-in stickers. Plus, Meredith Levy from Pint Sized Social is back to wrap things up with the gift guide. She’s found all the best things that are sure to delight the little sport fans in your life.
It’s been said, “There’s no I in team,” and this is absolutely true for Classic Play. So please join me in cheering on everyone who’s made this issue possible. Perhaps we can even get a virtual wave going? Wooooooooo!
Now get out there and play!
Jen
