Management Studies Capstone Project Highlights Importance of Youth Sports

HLOs:

Youth sports play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of children, offering not only physical activity but also fostering mental resilience and social skills. Bachelor of Commerce – Management Studies degree program Capstone research project student team members Tyrus Bath, John-Tino Chiappetta-Sacchetti, Matteo Chiodo, Paolo D'Antonio (co-lead), Luigi Gianvecchio (co-lead), Josh Hamilton, Jalal Kamadia, Alexander McLean, Jaydon Milne, Anthony Moscuzza, Nicoletta Tompros (co-lead) and Brandon Westfall examined the multifaceted importance of youth sports for today's children and future generations. The report maps the youth sports activities available across southwestern Ontario.

Economic Challenges and Equitable Access: The Capstone research project paper examined the economic landscape for families in southern Ontario striving to provide their children with sports opportunities. The escalating costs associated with youth sports, spanning expensive equipment to travel expenses and coaching fees, present formidable challenges, and the financial strain disproportionately affects families, limiting access to organized sports. Addressing these economic barriers is paramount to ensuring equitable access to organized sports benefits for all Ontario children.

Promoting Physical and Mental Health: The report underscores youth sports' critical role in promoting physical and mental well-being among children amidst the prevalent challenges they encounter—participation in sports combats sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and associated health concerns. Regular physical activity enhances cardiovascular health, bolsters muscular strength, and improves overall physical fitness. Through an array of studies, the report elucidates the thoughtful impact of sports on youth mental and physical health, underscoring its significance in holistic development.

Enhancing Subsidy Programs for Accessibility: The report also emphasized the need to revisit and augment existing subsidy programs offered by municipalities. It compares current offerings with a series of proposed modifications. Subsidy programs emerge as vital tools in ensuring universal access to sports activities, irrespective of socioeconomic background. By boosting these initiatives, communities can mitigate financial barriers and foster inclusivity in youth sports participation.

Call to Action: The report advocates for the prioritization and support of youth sports programs by communities, policymakers, educators, and government officials. Recognizing the holistic benefits of sports in nurturing the well-being and future success of youth, concerted efforts are indispensable. By allocating resources, crafting policies, and fostering collaborative partnerships, stakeholders can create an environment conducive to the holistic development of children. Youth sports cease to be extracurricular activities; they emerge as catalysts for empowerment, resilience, and societal cohesion.

Youth sports are a key factor in shaping children's physical, mental, and social landscapes. Stakeholders can champion youth development by addressing economic barriers, promoting health outcomes, and enhancing accessibility through subsidy programs.

Ultimately, investing in youth sports transcends mere recreation; it embodies an investment in future generations' well-being and prosperity. The student's research has been submitted to the Journal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education (JIPE) for publication.

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Capstone students present their research to the Senior Dean of the Longo Faculty of Business, Alvina Cassiani, Associate Dean of Research, Tania Massa and Professors Ned Ismail, Mounir Marhaba, Ashwin Patel, and Rick Simone.