Letter to the Editor

By Joanna Cho

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I am writing to emphasize the value of sports and reading in our community. Both activities can greatly benefit children, teens, and even adults of our area. According to ISM Sports, “Sports encompass much more than mere recreational activities; they are an integral part of our lives, shaping individuals and communities. They provide a platform for individuals to showcase their skills, compete, and connect with others with similar interests. Moreover, sports contribute to developing essential qualities like discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership.” On a similar note, Mortimer Adler, an influential American philosopher, stated that “reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.”

With this in mind, picture two teens, each choosing to live their lives in a completely separate path. One teen plays soccer, regularly practicing and competing in weekly games. They run through the field, maneuvering the ball at their feet. Their faces are flushed from exertion and their bond with their team grows stronger by the day. The other teen goes through their daily routine of school, returning home to collapse on the couch and treat themselves with screens and snacks. They scroll mindlessly through their phones, comparing and judging friends. Which teen do you think lives a healthier life? Sports are far more than just running around and burning off calories. Actively being involved in sports strengthens cardiovascular muscles, bone density, and improves overall physical health. Mental health benefits include better sleep, better learning, increased endorphins, and sometimes enhanced self-confidence and worth.

As sports strengthens the body, reading strengthens the mind. Engaging with a good book can reduce stress levels, improve cognitive function, and increase knowledge and vocabulary. As American writer, director, and producer, Nora Ephron, humorously voiced, “Reading is escape, and the opposite of escape; it’s a way to make contact with reality after a day of making things up.” In addition to all these benefits, reading can be very enjoyable. Good fiction books transport readers to the setting in where the book takes place. The reader follows the characters through the story, facing conflicts and resolutions together. In thought-provoking nonfiction books, readers can be immersed in a new horizon of learning and education.

For these reasons, I would like to encourage our local area to put more value on athletics and literature. Whether it’s signing up for a soccer season, spending more time at the local library, or simply setting aside a few moments to move and open a good book, we can all put a little more effort into building a healthier and more vibrant coastal community.