Lafayette Parish youth had the opportunity on Saturday to sign up for fall sports with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Kids were able to meet, talk to, and get autographs from former local professional athletes at today's, which was held at the Robichaux Recreation Center on Eraste Landry.
At the event, coaches and staff discussed codes of conduct for coaches, and spoke to the kids on how "when playing sports, winning isn't everything."
"We are emphasizing sports is about building character, exercising, having fun and making friends. We'll teach them how to conduct themselves whether your team wins or loses. Along the way, they'll learn important life skills," Athletic Programs Supervisor Walter Guillory said. "Coaches should be mindful of tone of voice, language, encourage children, and spend more time with them when they need extra help."
Saturday's sign-up was also a first step at a "normal" activity, as many youth rec sports had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We know with COVID it has been a crazy year, and it has interrupted our lives and our childrens' lives," said Justin Gibbs, Vice President of the Cajun Sports Association. "This is a chance to bring them back to some normalcy and let them do something they enjoy doing."
Fall sports offered are:
· Flag football, ages 7-14
· Tackle football, ages 9-13
· Baseball, ages 9-14
· Fastpitch softball, ages 10-14
· Volleyball, ages 7-17
Participating Leagues:
· Southwest Lafayette Youth Sports, Inc. (SLYSI)
· Carencro Area Youth Sports, Inc. (CAYSI)
· Scott Area Team Sports (SATS)
· Southwest Athletics (SWA)
· Cajun Sports Association (CSA)
· Brown Park Athletics (BPA)
Former Acadiana High School and MLB player Luke Montz; former Carencro High, LSU player, and NFL placekicker Wade Richey; and NCAA champion, Olympic medalist, and UL graduate Hollis Conway were available for autographs.
For those who were unable to attend, registration is extended to September 21. Contact your neighborhood association or call Walter Guillory at 337-291-8375 for more information.
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