Whether you have ever been a part of a sports team, proudly supported your local team (Green Bay Packers, anyone?) cheered on Team USA in any world event, or have even watched a motivational sports movie, it comes without saying that sport is much more than just the game itself. Learning and participating in different types of athletics are a great way for students to spend recreation time during the summer break, and Summit kids appreciate the time they spend playing 3 different sports each day during the Summer Olympics Program. But beyond the obvious positive effects that are gained from physical activity (i.e. a healthy body, increased energy and endurance, and better concentration and moods, etc.), Summit students also learn virtues while playing sports, including fair play, good sportsmanship, teamwork, self-discipline, perseverance, confidence, temperance, and friendship, along with many others.

Here are some great ways that Athletics are helping to teach Summit kids virtues outside of the classroom:

1. Teamwork - Anybody who has ever played on a team knows about the unique bond that is formed between teammates that are all working towards the same cause and uplifting one another to reach their common goals. Team members learn to work together and recognize the unique strengths that each person on their team can bring to the table. Additionally, a camaraderie grows among the individuals on the team where none existed before, and lasting friendships are built.

2. Perseverance & 3. Self-Discipline - Nothing worth pursuing ever comes easy. Even those who are gifted with natural talent in athletics have to work hard and practice in order to improve their skills. Self-discipline is fostered by the drills that the Summit students practice each time they play a sport, and they continue to improve on different skills throughout the summer. Perseverance is also a key ingredient in any sport. It isn't easy working on your weaknesses to get better! But by committing to improving, progress is seen in each student's athletic abilities.

4. Confidence - Students are exposed to sports that they may not have had the opportunity to play before coming to Summit, such as tennis, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, or dance (for the girls). Besides discovering new athletic talents and developing new skills, Summit kids gain confidence to try new things in the future and have faith that they can handle whatever challenges come their way.

5. Sportsmanship - Summit's organized sports program encourages teams to compete with one another and for students to put forth their best efforts - both for themselves, and for the good of their team. While competing, students learn and practice virtues such as treating others with fairness, maintaining self-control when dealing with others, and respect for both authority and opponents.

6. Temperance - Unfortunately, many professional athletes in our society are poor role models for our youth. Many very gifted athletes are given celebrity status only to abuse their influence and send the wrong messages. At Summit, students learn that athletic talents need to be paired with academic achievement and a good character in order to achieve success. Temperance is practiced by finding a balance between academics and athletics.