‘Let Them Play’ helps kids get leg up in life

Some kids have the skills, or ability to develop them, and some others just want to be part of the same thing their friends and acquaintances enjoy. But regardless of their motivations or desire to see what they can do, it’s all beside the point if they can’t afford to participate.

Anyone with a heart has to feel bad for the kid who stares wistfully at the ball diamond, athletic field, court or arena, wanting more than anything to be involved but knows that can’t happen because of financial hardship.

That’s why the new “Let Them Play Delmarva” sports equipment drive launched by Ashley Barcus and Lauren Nornes ought to be hitting a soft spot with just about anyone who becomes aware of their effort to supply less fortunate kids with the gear they need to participate.

Barcus and Nornes believe that participating in sports is a big part of childhood development and it certainly can be in ways well beyond the recreational aspects of athletic endeavors.

In team sports, for instance, children can learn how to work with others in pursuit of a common objective, how to communicate more effectively and how depending on each other can produce good results.

In individual sports, children can learn that success requires more than just ability or a desire to do well, but also demands commitment, dedication, patience and just plain hard work.

These are attributes that everyone needs to thrive in today’s society, and helping more kids gain these life skills is more than a noble exercise, it’s the right thing to do for them and for society overall.

With that in mind, we recommend joining “Let Them Play Delmarva” in helping get these kids where they want to go in sports and, perhaps, where they need to go in life.