Future sports stars learn the ropes with Omaha Children’s Museum exhibit
Do you have a future Husker, Mav or Jay? Maybe, you have a future Omaha Storm Chaser in your home. No matter what, everyone is a superstar at Omaha Children’s Museum’s Super Sports exhibit. The exhibit encourages children to check out a variety of sports displays, including ice hockey, curling, basketball, volleyball, baseball and football.
“Super Sports: Building Strength, Sportsmanship and Smarts” – an original exhibit by the Children’s Museum – provides interactive experiences. Children can play a game of basketball on a smaller version of a basketball court, or try their hand at ice hockey, among the featured sports. Each sport is sponsored by local teams, including Creighton basketball and volleyball, University of Nebraska-Omaha hockey and women’s basketball, as well as the Omaha Storm Chasers minor league baseball team. Players from each school are shown on posters or part of the information board, including former UNO hockey player Austin Ortega.
A unique sport is featured with the exhibit. Lacrosse is a sport invented by Native Americans. Today, the Omaha Lacrosse Club supports youth interested in playing the game. The Omaha club encourages a player’s skills development, sportsmanship and teamwork.
Social skills
As children participate with each of the exhibits, they can learn about the sport’s history, as well as key tips, such as sportsmanship and the value of being a teammate.
“(It’s) designed to be fun and keep families active through the winter, and, on a deeper level, it provides ample opportunities to develop skills kids need in order to be successful later in life,” said Lindy Hoyer, the museum’s executive director. “For instance, one child may want to join in a hockey game and will have to wait her turn for a chance to use a hockey stick. She’ll be practicing self-control and communicating with other children whom wish to join them in play.”
“Super Sports,” which runs through April 14, also includes special events, such as “Biomechanics Night” on Nov. 6, which invites early childhood educators to visit and learn how they can integrate biometrics into the classroom. “Sport Spotlight” will feature local athletes and sports medicine experts, who will visit with children on select Saturdays. Check the museum’s website for further information.
Disclaimer: We are proud to be included as part of the Omaha Children’s Museum’s Ambassadorship program. However, all opinions and views are ours.
