Show 25: Competition & Youth Sports

IN-STUDIO GUESTS: Just in time for March Madness, we take a look at how competition and sports play significant roles in the lives and development of kids and teens. We're talking about the positive effects of playing sports: fitness, learning to balance athletics and academics, and character and relationship-building. And we'll also explore the darker sides to competition like cheating, drug use or putting too much pressure on student-athletes. Also, what is the role of the sports parent?

Joining host Shana Sheehy in the studio are guests Gary Matthews, executive director of the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) and Michael Josephson, founder of the Josephson Institute Center for Sports Ethics.

Did you know? Alaska's kids are successfully competing in many ways outside of sports, too. In fact the ASAA also oversees competitions in non-athletic activities such as art, music, drama, debate and language, in addition to the fourteen sports it sanctions.

FEATURED STORIES: Kids in wheelchairs are competing in basketball, soccer, skiing and snowboarding through the Paralympic Sports Alaska program which is designed to let athletes with physical disabilities compete with one another while preparing for national, even international, competitions. Jessica Cochran has the story.

The FIRST Lego League is an international competitive robotics program that is all about getting kids 9-16 excited about science, engineering and technology. FIRST stands for - For Inspiration & Recognition of Science and Technology. Listen to learn about how the FLL Alaska students are programming to win! Rebecca Parks organizes the Alaska contingent through the Juneau Economic Development Council - she is available by email or by calling (907) 523-2334.

How do you keep your student-athletes well-fed and motivated? What has competing taught your kids? Let us know in the comments below.