BATH, Maine — Elite athletes from around the world spend their entire lives dedicated to their sport, many with hopes to make it to the Olympics. While watching on TV, you might be in awe of their dedication and skill. However, the respect athletes show for each other can be just as admirable.
Bath Area Family YMCA gymnastics coach Kym Granger said her young athletes are seeing firsthand the importance of fostering a positive competitive environment. The sportsmanship among competitors is making an impression and setting an example for athletes of all ages.
"The girls are watching and learning and soaking it all in," Granger said.
Pediatric therapist Makayla Daigle with Northern Light Acadia Hospital said sports give kids a community and the opportunity to build relationships. She said sports can play a pivotal role in a child's life, giving them an outlet to learn to communicate and how to work as a team.
While many athletes won't ever make it to the Olympic level, Daigle noted it's important kids recognize even the best athletes make mistakes. Watching them get back up, finish their routine, or keep playing with a positive attitude is what's important.
"Self-talk is everything. You can be your biggest cheerleader or the person putting yourself down the most," Daigle said. "Your ability to see things in a way that can get you to move forward to your next goal is so dependent on how you talk to yourself in moments when you are frustrated with your performance."
Daigle has been working in mental health for a decade and said she's seen a shift in the way people associate sports with mental health.
"There's actually a lot of programs now, especially for athletes at the top of their game where they're actually accessing these things [mental health resources] whereas 20 years ago that wasn't talked about."