When the Dallas County High School basketball team was presented their state championship rings, there were smiles all around. The team had worked hard to earn the title, and more importantly, they worked together.

Sports have a way of bringing people together. Whether that bond is between team members, parents or fans, the bond of supporting a team helps everyone win.

Selma boasts one of the largest youth baseball and softball programs in the area, with over 60 teams. These young athletes learn much more than how to hit, throw and catch during their time on the team. These athletes learn how to work hard as part of a team, one of the most important life skills to learn.

These lessons aren’t limited to one sport, or even team sports for that matter. Anyone who plays a sport learns how to work hard and better themselves.

People always talk about how young people are the future, and we need to invest in our future. One of the best, most fun and easiest ways to do that is to support local youth, high school and college teams.