There are fewer kids wanting to join in the traditional sports these years. Many kids want different ways to exercise. They don't always want to play baseball or football in teams. Some say they are too competitive and others think they can get hurt easily.
"Nontraditional sports let kids be true kids" Tom Cove, the President of the Sports& Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), said. Nontraditional sports usually have kids competing on their own. Rock climbing is one of them.
Olivia Hunt is 16 years old. She lives in Burlington, Vermont. She used to like soccer. But when her teammates talked about how to get first place in the game, she began to dislike it. "It isn't fun, I can just go and do it, "said Olivia. She also joined Little Bella's mountain bike camp. She says both sports help her see how she is growing.
"Sports like climbing, cycling and running make children focus on making one move at a time, said Dr. Michelle Flowers "These sports are more about 'personal growth'. " Kids can learn to keep trying and they can use the lessons they learn in other parts of life.
Here's another reason why more kids like to do nontraditional sports. Nontraditional sports can offer the good things that traditional sports offer. Some people might think kids may feel lonely while doing nontraditional sports. However, Olivia doesn't think so. She says she always talks to others at the climbing gym and that they always help each other.
