The definitions of sport may vary from generation to generation, but the human factors that define its origins and continuous evolution are a constant reminder that we have lot to look forward to.
Hola and Aloha to all our ET sports regulars, hope you have set your sights on a very active month of Augustus, a month that promises much.

Internationally...Cricket is perhaps the top draw card with a compelling Tri series in Dmbulla. Hosts Sri Lanka and India will be in cracking form, while the visitors from the “land of the long white cloud," New Zealand, will be fighting on all fronts to adapt to the heat , humidity and dust bowl intensity of the Rangiri Dambulla cauldron. Trying to get performance fit and find their sea level legs will be top priority for the team management.

Memories of last year will be looming large in their zinc layered minds..thoughts on how they picked up a tummy bug on the flight in, were horrid stats that had them rushing about last trip. Thankfully they seem all good this visit and look a lot fitter as well, but looks can be deceptive? The series promises to be very competitive indeed, and pundits are giving the "black caps" an even chance of making the final.

I am keen to find out how much of an inspiration the marauding All Blacks clinical destruction of both South Africa and Australia in the current Tri Nations will be to the cricketers?? In case you are curious as to why I mention this..let me put your mind at rest and qualify my copy.

Let's take the case of Spain and its magnificent football world cup victory inspiration for all of us mortals, but note this as more Spanish magic and sporting history. . Rafael Nadal wins his 2nd Wimbledon title,...a Spanish World Cup in South Africa... Alberto Contador wins the Tour de France,....... Fernando Alonso wins the German Grand Prix...all for Spain, all world champions and all of them in slightly under a month...not a bad few weeks and defiant signs that the "Spanish Armada" is back??

Sri Lanka wise...I am compelled to mention a big concern that I have always seen as a looming threat, that really goes unchecked and has become almost a national pastime...a pastime that parents from all levels of society actively pursue.

Stats on this syndrome are plain for all to see, but always ignored as a temporary condition, that will in time slowly disappear?

The " my kid is a winner and will be a champion " syndrome, frantically and relentlessly chased by one or both parents who have already decided - on their own, that junior is born to be an international cricket star, a tennis champion, the best athlete or whatever they were not able to be. Unfortunately and sadly , there is no provision or current law that prevents the harm or damage the kids will suffer and be scarred for life.

These parents are well organized, planned and scheduled to the hilt....they are motivated, keen, and hungry for their kids' success...most times never bothering to see if the youngster actually enjoys the sport , or has the skill and potential to reach beyond the average level for starters.

This is pressure, this is fear, this is trauma....mostly because they do not want to let their mum and dad down, after all, look how much we are spending, look at the time and look at how much you can win as earnings.....the magnetic force for the ambitious Mr and Mrs , the full management mum and dad team that leave no room for error or failure.

These kids, even if they love the game soon tire of the pressure and react badly, most times aggressively.

Try to let your kids play and enjoy sport at all levels, let them grow free, just playing and discovering their natural skill till past 7 years. From then on see what they have as ability and expression...exceptional talent will show in time as the mind grows with training, guidance and proper care...do not rush to impose heavy workloads till 11 and 12, looking carefully at growth patterns etc...always seek professional advice , always try not to presume that your normally observed and researched knowledge..... is best ?

Do not opt for gym, weights and heavy work till past 15 and then with the most careful guidance so the nature of lifting is defined and understood.

Remember that a little knowledge is very dangerous and can scar your own child for life...the freedom to grow and love playing and expressing their natural abilities, is the greatest gift a parent can give their child. Encourage the art of play , the art of enjoying their skill, their love for learning the game, the rules and what inspires them...

But the greatest lesson of all............to take winning and losing in the same stride !!!! Cheers.