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Stacking up against the competition

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Contributed by: Dana Brandorff on 8/27/2007

Who'd have thought that rapidly stacking a bunch of cups would become the latest sports craze? Probably the same people who started throwing around a pie tin called Frisbee! Regardless of how it achieved its status as a sport, sport stacking also known as cup stacking, is regularly showcased on ESPN, has its own World Championship Tournament at the Denver Coliseum, and will be highlighted on September 8th at the First American State Bank Fitness Festival in Greenwood Village.

So, how does this sport stack up to other sports? According to Alex Caran, physical education teacher at Independence Elementary School in Aurora, "Sport stacking takes speed, agility, eye-hand coordination and more." The sport also allows kids to be competitive in a cooperative and constructive manner. In addition, Caran says that the benefits are not limited to just the physical - improving fine motor skills and coordination; research shows that the sport also helps students focus and develop sequencing skills. Current brain research has shown that activities where children cross the midline, manipulate objects with their hands and are physically active can enhance the potential to learn.

Contrary to popular thought, sport stacking is not just an individual sport. It's something that you can add elements to and include relays and teams. "Head-to-head races with friends and team relays are a blast. And, winning and losing is no longer important," says Caran.

Caran, who introduced the sport to the school eight years ago, passionately speaks about the topic. "I love it! It teaches extremely important skills while building confidence and self-esteem," says Caran. "Sport stacking levels the playing field between the athletically inclined and the non-athletes."

For mother of four, Frankie Heath, who has two children still at Independence Elementary, she couldn't agree more. "My kids love it. And I love it too as it reduces boredom, helps them to be focused, and keeps them away from the TV, which is a major plus," says Frankie. Frankie enthusiastically explains that, "The first time my kids tried it they were hooked. They've gone on to win tournaments and it's really helped them with their studies."

To the novice, sport stacking is just plain dizzying. To the avid fan, it's entertaining. To the parent it's something to cheer about; and to the kid who stacks it's the chance to be a champion. To see the sport in action, check out the Heath children -- ages six, nine and eleven - at the First American State Bank Fitness Festival on September 8th at Crescent Park in Greenwood Village where food, fun, run and sport stacking are key activities of the day. The event benefits the Community Asset Project, a partner with the Cherry Creek School District, a program that builds and reinforces 40 positive attributes that help children avoid negative behaviors and grow into successful adults.

For more information on the First American State Bank Fitness Festival at www.fasbfitnessfestival.com

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Dana Brandorff

Littleton , CO

Dana Brandorff has posted 89 stories and 0 comments since joining on 9/14/2005. Dana Brandorff 's average story rating is 5.

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