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Diversify Your Activities
“I just hope she finds her thing, you know? The sport she really connects with,” a parent told me recently. My smile in response was more like a pained grimace. Her daughter was only 5 years old. While this parent definitely means well, our desire for our kids to find connection and excellence in ONE thing is really not ideal. We need to diversify our activities in order to keep girls healthy, happy and active in sports.
I was so lucky to be exposed to so many different sports as well as arts and music beyond school. I didn’t race until I was 12 years old and then I focused more and more on my ski training through my late teens.
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I can honestly say that without the fun days of downhill skiing with friends and family, I never would have succeeded to the level I did on the skinny skis. Racing down the ski out with my siblings and friends for the pure fun of it actually honed the ability to do a low tuck that ultimately gave me an advantage over my competitors during the Olympic final in 2006.
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Early specialization in sport causes injuries, burn out, and quitting due to lack of fun. Let's worry way less about our kids skills and way more about their smiles.
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I would love to hear a parent say “we want our kids to do as many diverse activities as possible for as long as possible in order to avoid the injuries and burnout that come with all that pressurized early specialization these days.” I understand that it’s hard to stand up to the very intense programs, parents and coaches who keep ratcheting up commitment and specialization at younger and younger ages, but it’s even harder to see a kid quit her only sport in her early teens and have nothing to fall back on because she can only do that one sport!
I wish you and your family all the best,
Chandra Crawford
Fast and Female Founder
2006 Olympic Gold Medalist
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Girls (age 8–18) of all ability levels are invited to 3-hour events, called F&F Champ Chats presented by Fuelling Women Champions, where they will be inspired by Olympians & elite athletes to stay active in sports and have fun!
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Friday, December 9 - Champ Chat - Cochrane, AB
Cochrane Ringette Tournament players expected to fill this event
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Fast and Female USA
Champ Chats
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Sunday, October 16 - Champ Chat - Park City, UT
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Is your sport club or venue interested in hosting a 2017 Fast and Female Champ Chat presented by Fuelling Women Champions? Our Fast and Female 2017 event calendar is filling fast. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to spread the love of sports by becoming a 2017 event Sports Partner. Email info@FastandFemale.com today!
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AMBASSADORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
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Brianne Jenner
Meet Brianne at a Champ Chat in Calgary! Register Here
When: Sunday, October 9
Where: Stampede Corral Arena and Boyce Theatre, Calgary, AB |
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Meet Danielle & Erin at a Champ Chat in Halifax! Register Here
When: Thursday, October 13
Where: BMO Soccer Centre, Halifax, NS |
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Meet Jamie & Kristina at the Ontario Summit! Register Here
When: Saturday, October 22
Where: Toronto Rock Athletic Centre, Oakville, ON |
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Sophie Caldwell
Cross Country Skier, 2014 Olympian ( @dophed)
Meet Sophie at the Champ Chat in Park City! Register Here
When: Sunday, October 16
Where: USSA Center of Excellence, Park City, UT |
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PLAYING MULTIPLE SPORTS IS GOOD FOR KIDS
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- Why Playing Multiple Sports - Not Just One - Is Best for Kids
- By: Parenting ......................................................................................Read Article
- The Multi-Sport Advantage
- By: Active For Life ...............................................................................Read Article
- Long Term Athlete Development
- By: Canadian Sport for Life .................................................................Read Article
- More Resources on Early Specialization in Sports, visit:
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Celebrate #FastandFemaleFridays
CAPTURE your active, energetic, healthy, girl power moments
SHARE them with us on social media!
Every Friday, POST a picture or video on Instagram and Twitter.
INCLUDE #FastandFemaleFriday
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