Donald Deibler, business manager of All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery, is calling on families, businesses, and community members to increase support for local youth sports, citing the benefits beyond competition such as physical activity, teamwork, and community connection. Deibler, who grew up in Donaldson, Pennsylvania, credits sports with providing him positive focus during his youth and now volunteers as a coach and supports programs like Tri-Valley Little League.
Deibler's advocacy is backed by health guidelines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, which can improve bone health, cardiovascular fitness, and even academic performance. Yet, participation in organized sports is not universal. According to the Aspen Institute, only 54% of U.S. children in that age group played on a team or took lessons in 2022, down from 58% in 2017, and well below the Healthy People 2030 target of 63%.
Deibler believes these statistics highlight the need for local action. "Sports gave me something positive to focus on when I was younger," he said. "If we can help local kids have those same opportunities, that matters." He encourages individuals to contribute in practical ways, whether by volunteering, coaching, maintaining fields, or donating equipment. His own involvement extends to volunteering at St. Peter's UCC and supporting his wife's business, Dead Horse Beer & Burritos, where he often works hands-on in the kitchen.
For Deibler, supporting youth sports is part of a broader philosophy of community interdependence. "A business is part of the community around it," he said. "You have to remember the people who support you and find ways to support them too." He suggests that even small actions can make a difference, such as attending local games or simply encouraging children to engage in active play.
The benefits of youth sports extend beyond physical health, fostering social skills, discipline, and a sense of belonging. As participation rates decline, Deibler's message serves as a reminder that community support is vital to ensuring all children have the chance to experience these advantages. He calls on residents to contact local recreation programs, schools, and youth organizations to identify where help is needed, emphasizing that "sometimes it is giving your time, helping a team, or just showing kids that people in the community care."
