Getting educated and fit at a young age

Thirty-three percent (33%) of Shreveport youth participated in organized sports last year, compared with 85 to 90 percent of children in the suburbs, according to a 2010 State University report, there are 46,000 children in the Shreveport, La area schools between the ages of pre-kindergarten to 12th according to Caddo parish schools web site. In contrast to the city area, the suburbs have a full array of youth sports with strong financial support. This late start for urban children, in organized sports robs them of the opportunity for physical activity, coaching, being part of a team, learning skills, and substantial time away from "negative recreation" (drugs, violence or sexual activities).



Clinical studies also show that sports and recreation programs can help youth establish lifelong, healthy, physical activity patterns. Regular physical activity can ward off life-threatening diseases; reduce feelings of depression and anxiety; help control weight and obesity; and build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints, according to the President's Council on Physical Fitness.


The children in the city's core must have the opportunity for a successful start in education and sport regardless of age, race, gender, family composition, income or community.