What started out as a letter to my children has blossomed into a book about life lessons that transcend sports. The response to this book from friends, neighbors, coaches, and other sports parents has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents who reads the book will find that their personal wisdoms have been written down and presented in a way that both parents and young adults can understand. The most cherished wants and desires parents have for their children have been "scribed" for this generation of athletes.

For parents, I hope the book serves as a reminder of why we spend so much time and energy with our children in youth sports. For players (U12 and older), I hope the book serves as an introduction to why parents say and do what they do. I believe that parents sometimes forget "why we play."

I hope you enjoy the book. I wrote it because I firmly believe that our children should have something to hold on to - something tangible that explains why we care so much. Children need a letter, a picture with a caption, or even a sticky note with a smiley face that says "your important to me." Sports parents often say "I love you" in the same conversation where they criticize a child's performance. It's almost impossible not to.

With so many distractions and so much pressure on athletes, the value of a personalized message is more important that it's ever been.We all want what is best for our children, and our children want desperately to know that our love for them is not based on how well they compete. I hope that Why We Play gives you an opportunity to break through the constant travel and stress that is associated with youth sports and to get back to the real reason we want our children to participate in sports - to help them grow into more confident and more competent adults.

- Richard Cullom

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