These have not been glory days for sportsmanship. In front of a global audience, last summer’s Rio Olympics at times became a showcase for bad behavior and bad sports. And on many youth, high school, college and professional playing fields across America recently, there has been a growing number of unsportsmanlike incidents.
Is sportsmanship declining, or even dying? Can it be taught in our win-at-all costs sports mentality? A highly accomplished panel of professional athletes, former and current, will share their insights in “Why Sportsmanship Matters” on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m., at the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, the latest in a town hall program series presented by the Museum and Parabolic Performance & Rehab.
The series, which was launched in August with “Building a Championship Culture,” is ideal for student-athletes, parents, coaches and athletic directors, with each program designed to educate and empower sports stakeholders at every level.
Sports parenting guru Rick Wolff, host of WFAN’s popular call-in show “Sports Edge,” will moderate a panel discussion that includes: Bryce Salvador, a former 14-year NHL veteran and captain of the New Jersey Devils; Devon Kennard, linebacker for the New York Giants; and Christie Welsh, a former women’s U.S. National Team player and current girls coach at Montclair Kimberley Academy.
Each athlete will also answer questions from the audience. Tickets are $15 per adult, $10 for students. To RSVP visit www.yogiberramuseum.org or call (973) 655-2378.