Pushing aside sports program shouldn't be solution to budget crunch

Editor:

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I heard that the state is considering cutting out middle school sports next calender year. I would hope that our legislators understand the importance of youth sports and the effect of not having them would be on our communities.

All of those who coach, whether it is through a recreation department or a school program, know the importance of having these programs available. Youth sports help children learn the importance of teamwork, hard work and dedication, not to mention keep some of these kids off of the streets.

The Columbia County Recreation Department is second to none when it comes to preparing our young athletes for the next level. They work hand in hand with the volunteer coaches and different sports programs around the area to make it a quality experience for all involved. The recreation department secured Greenbrier High School's football stadium this year for the fall football championship games and seemed to be a huge success for the football program.

The Columbia Area Youth Football Association (C.A.Y.F.A.) is beginning its third season with signups from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Kroger field in Evans on Saturday, Feb. 13. Anyone wanting more information on the program can e-mail cayfafootball@gmail.com.

If it were not for the staff of the recreation department working with this organization, it wouldn't be as successful or even possible. So I would like to thank all those involved and have a hand in making it possible for the third year in a row. Hopefully our legislators will hear from the parents who know we can't afford to push aside the sports programs because it is the easy and fast solution to a budget crunch.

Scott Patterson

Evans