Since its inception, Project Play has positioned the Aspen Institute to be a leader in the conversation about the importance of (and the problems with) youth sports in the United States. There are many elements to Project Play’s approach, but primarily it has focused on creating positive impact and has done a tremendous job building the community of participants in its conferences.
The State of Play reports, which focus on specific communities around the country, have highlighted the needs of the communities that are seeking to improve their offerings and the positive impact that those programs can provide.
Among the key elements of Project Play’s accomplishments are:
- Established Value of Youth Sports
- Raised Awareness of Participation Gaps
- Created Framework to Rally Around
- Unlocked $100M for local providers
- Built Network of 20,000+ Leaders
63×30
Project Play’s next initiative is called 63×30. The goal is to have 63% youth sports participation by 2030. Three strategic priorities are:
- Encourage Sports Sampling
- Revitalize in Town Leagues
- Train All Coaches
As noted in the graphic above, higher levels of activity correlate with lifetime benefits. These benefits accrue throughout the lifetime starting at early ages and continuing throughout life. One of the interesting discoveries is the very direct connection between active parents and active kids.
Among the research findings are:
- 1/10 as likely to be obese
- Up to 40% higher test scores
- Less smoking, drug use, pregnancy and risky sex
- 15% more likely to go to college
- Lower levels of depression and self-derogation
- Higher self-esteem
- 7.5% higher annual earnings
- Lower health costs
- More productive at work
EVEN AS WE AGE THROUGH OUR LIFETIME, THESE BENEFITS TRANSLATE INTO:
- 1/3 the rate of disability
- Compressio of morbidity
- Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes
