Persuasive Essay On Winners And Losers

The majority of Americans say only kids who win should get trophies. A trophy is a prize for a victory and should not be given just for participation. We are miss leading children by making them think they achieved something that they have not. Children all over America are always rewarded participation trophies. The handing out of trophies for participating in a sports game is teaching children that they always win. We need to teach the new generation children about how life isn’t always fair. Being awarded a trophy for participating is not fair to the winners in the game being played. After all, it is a game where there are winners and losers. The fear of children not realizing that some things in life aren't fair is just one example of why …show more content…
Things don’t always go your way and you have to learn how to deal with and manage your emotions. It is difficult to lose a game an congratulate the winner however, that is the purpose of playing a game. A recent poll from Reason Magazine showed that 57% of people do feel that only the winners should receive a trophy. Although 57% is a majority, it is surprising that it is not higher. I believe that even children at a young age need to be taught that if you work hard you will improve and eventually earn the trophy. Nobody wants to walk away a loser, but it is important to experience that feeling. Once you have the experience of losing it will push you in the direction of wanting the win. James Harrison from the Pittsburgh Steelers said, “Just the other day I took my son's’ participation trophies away from them. I don’t want my boys to have a trophy until the day the boys earn a real trophy.” I completely agree with what James Harrison did. As a father he wants his children to actually earn a trophy for winning. I believe all parents should want their children to experience a loss. He is teaching his children what it feels like to lose a game. All children will be more tough and hard working if they get the participation trophies taken away. Losing is a hard lesson but a very important …show more content…
One of the goals is to make sure they work hard to accomplish what they set out to do. In other words, working hard to win. Dr. Aimee Kimball a sport psychologist said, “Trophies should be reserved for recognizing accomplishments. I do believe that if a child has a clear goal and he/she accomplishes those goals then recognition should be given. All Children should learn what is means to be successful and that success doesn’t just happen, it has to be earned.” Dr. Aimee and I agree that trophies should not be given just because your participation fees paid for it. By doing that a child will not work hard enough or do there best to work for a team win. All children need to be taught that if you work hard, set goals and do their best to accomplish things you will then be a winner. Winners in turn receive a trophy. Participation trophies on the other hand, do not necessarily bring out the best in sportsmanship or in teamwork. My third grade soccer team is a prime example. The girls were not focused on setting goals or winning games. They knew they would receive a trophy in the end and never put forth the effort to work hard or do there best. I actually think many just showed up for the soccer snacks. I witnessed girls receiving their trophies at our finally game knowing that they never played the game well or cared about making an effort. You need to make great teamwork happen, it doesn’t occur by standing