Support our Skate Team??

The town I live in just opened a new skate park! It looks great with plywood ramps, rails, a clear landing area even a waterfountain. The town has agreed to manage the park and has done a great job of promoting it to skaters and bikers (although it did open in the dead of winter). Looking at this new pristine park makes me wonder why more high schools don't build skate parks as a part of their campus?

Athletics have always been an important part of education here in the U.S. Physical education is a requirement and sports have consistently been a point of pride in communities around the country. Our country has generally clung to the great traditions of teaching the big three; baseball, basketball and football to our youth. Many other sports have also had important traditions in various regions and communities. Sports as varied as Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Wrestling, Swimming, Diving, Fencing, Tennis and Golf have all taken hold in communities large and small, rich and poor. So why not skating?

Some people make the argument that skating is dangerous and puts a school district at risk for lawsuits. How is skating more dangerous than football? Football, even with the pads and the refs is still one of the most dangerous sports, causing serious injury to thousands of players every year. Others would argue that skating is not a sanctioned sport, therefore there is not a tradition of competition or leadership. To that I would argue that skating is as legitimate as gymnastics or diving. It is part athleticism, part artistic ability and has been judged that way since the 70s. Skating has gained in both popularity and 'legitimate support' steadily for almost four decades and has some great history to share.

So why not support skating? Start a skating team? Take on the 'athletic establishment'? Why do it at all. Skating is one of the few sports that can be supported both as an individual sport and a co-ed team sport. It has qualities of athletics, art, style, skill and durability. It is also a great way to teach identity, leadership, creativity and pride. It is a low cost sport and ideal for both urban and suburban communities alike. It is also a way to get to some of those kids who haven't found joy in the 'traditional' sports.

What do you think? Are they all just a bunch of punks and we shouldn't give skating the time of day, or is this a legitimate athletic opportunity that should get the support it needs in our schools and communities? Bring it on. Rip it up!