For Christelle Robert and her three kids, track and field wasn’t just about winning.
It was about learning how to compete, improve, and fail.
“The fact that they’re not going to have any winner, any ribbon, and everybody’s basically going to get, I don’t know, something that doesn’t even make sense to me,” said Robert.
The Richmond mother says she’s concerned about changes impacting elementary school track meets in the Richmond School District.
All events will still be timed and measured. Ribbons are being removed. Groupings will be gender.
And the focus is shifting toward participation and inclusivity.
“I think you are removing a big part of their development. I think perseverance is important. I think work ethic is important. I think discipline is important.”
Robert says one of her children is already questioning whether they want to participate in school competitions anymore because of the changes. She says competition and failure are important parts of growing up.
“The more you learn, the more you make mistakes, the better you’re going to get. If you don’t make any mistake. If nobody’s correcting you, you’re just staying at the same level believing that you’re doing great.”
The Richmond School District says the updated format was shaped by feedback from students and staff and is designed to give more students the opportunity to participate.
But former Olympian and Richmond City Councillor Alexa Loo says competition still has an important role to play in youth sports.
“Every child needs the opportunity to get on the start line, calm themselves down, get into their zone and perform on demand the best performance they can,” sats Loo.
Lou also points to other sporting events that prioritize inclusion while still maintaining competitive categories.
“The Special Olympics is probably your most inclusive event, and it’s separated by male and female, and then by age,” says Loo.
Parents behind a petition opposing the changes have already gathered nearly 2000 signatures, proving this debate has yet to cross the finish line.