This petition gives support in the inclusion of obstacle racing in Arizona K-12 Physical Education and/or Athletic Programs.
Fair Haven High School Principal Brett Blanchard pioneered obstacle racing in Vermont. Below are his words on why we should educate and encourage our students to particpate in obstacle racing:
-Data across every venue shows the serious state of teenage health. The problem is well known but nothing of substance or modern (new) is being implemented to correct the situation.
-Traditional sports and high school curriculum are not connecting to give students the basis of becoming life long healthy adults.
-Athletic participation remains stagnant with no sport offering the full participation and motivate of obstacle racing.
-Our objective is to have obstacle racing teams in every high school in the US with international competition (and those benefits) following.
We need to prepare our students for life-long fitness. Participating in obstacle racing (OR) helps our students meet that goal in a variety of ways.
Time flexibility with training is mandatory. Currently all high school sports take place in a set time at a set place. With obstacle racing teams both the time and place of practice become flexible.
Personal motivation is built. Motivation entails setting an attainable but difficult goal, having others support your effort and the knowledge that YOU actually directly control your accomplishments. OR allows student-athletes to be an active member of a team while directly being responsible for her/his results. Hard work will, for certain, earn student success in OR. Students also can have a direct voice in how training is accomplished.
Every athlete on an obstacle racing team participates equally, fully and completely. No one is left sitting, watching or waiting to join in.
Completing the course earns meaningful self worth. A sense of belonging and pride comes with being part of a team. In obstacle course racing, values that are learned go beyond the sport. OR directly affects how one handles discomfort, abnormal circumstances, personal doubt and fears all in a safe and encouraging environment. The challenges occur with others who are experiencing the same feelings at the same time. OR racers truly develop a feeling of personal empowerment individually and share it with others.
OR is a sport of true fitness. It hits every aspect of health. OR develops both physical and mental strength and endurance.
Students will experience personal growth. Each chooses their starting level of intensity but advance in skill as opting out becomes less of an option. Participants will develop muscular improvement, mental strength, and a sense of fearlessness for challenges.
There is minimal cost to starting an OR team or participating on one. What do you need? Shoes, shorts, shirt and motivation. No special equipment is needed. This remains true forever!
Top quality Workout of the Day (WOD) will be available to all participants. These workouts are created and administered by certified Spartan trainers as well as other fitness professionals.
Brett C. Blanchard, Principal