“Sports Talk” in Sunny Isles Beach
By Matt High, Athletics Program Coordinator

The City of Sunny Isles Beach Cultural and Human Services Department, Athletics division teamed up with the Miami-Dade Country Public Library System to present “Sports Talk” to children of all ages. It was held on Wednesday, September 13th, 2006 from 5:00-5:45 pm at the Sunny Isles Beach Branch Library.

Many topics and discussions arose from the sports talk presentation. The children asked many questions and were intrigued with the responses. Many of the children were active participants in the City of Sunny Isles Beach youth athletics. As one child responded, “I want to be a professional athlete.” When asked, “Do you know what it takes to get to that level?” The child said “no.” I went into details about the percentage of high school/college athletes that make it professional. Less than one percent of collegiate athletes make it to the professional level. Without doubt, if you have the dedication, drive, perseverance, motivation, hard work, will, and especially heart then you have a chance. The word talented or gifted does not hurt, but just because you have this attribute does not mean you will have a professional career. It takes a balance between dedication, hard work, and talent. It does not mean if someone who has less ability than another that they cannot make it, it just means they have to work a little harder.

I emphasized the importance of staying in school and earning an education. The most important aspect of athletics is to find a balance. I stressed the importance of having a degree, because anything can happen to an athlete. One can get injured and then their professional career is over, and they will need something to fall back on. So whether you are a superstar or an average athlete, staying in school to obtain the highest degree possible is imperative.

Another great question, “Can I get a scholarship to college for athletics?” The answer is yes, but it also takes the same determination and drive that it takes to be a professional athlete. I explained that you have to maintain a good grade point average as well as excelling in your specific sport.

Finally, the group got a special treat from a guest speaker. Michelle Bennett, a 13 time All-American from Villanova University, shared her thoughts and opinions with the group on athletics and education. She received a full-scholarship to run track and field at Villanova University. Her points were to find a sport or event that is fun and that one can excel. She emphasized that your favorite sport is not necessarily the sport that one excels. Michelle shared with the group some of her medals, All-American plaques, and a watch that she won at the famous Penn Relays Carnival in Philadelphia, PA. She showed her World University Games outfit and her story of being a part of the games. Michelle and her teammates still hold the world indoor record in the 4x800 meters.

Michelle’s accomplishments were a result of hard work and dedication. As she spoke to the group, you could see the excitement she had reliving her past as an elite athlete.

Whether you are young, old, talented, or an average athlete everyone can find some enjoyment and fun in sports. If it is bowling, track and field, football, soccer, basketball, golf, or any other sport, one can find some enjoyment and make new friends. I would like to thank the Sunny Isles Beach branch of the Miami-Dade County Public library for giving me this opportunity to speak on sports. Also, a big thanks to Michelle for her stories and accomplishment that she shared with the group. Stay healthy and fit, and most of all have fun.

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