🎙️ In the episode of the Swordsport Podcast Don Anthony sits down with Dawn Anderson-Butcher, the co-executive director of LifeSports at The Ohio State University, for a thought-provoking conversation on the role of youth sports in today's society and its intersection with the sport of fencing.

Dawn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, boasting an impressive background as a professor at the College of Social Work and affiliate faculty member in Human Sciences at OSU. Dawn is a leading authority in sport-based positive youth development, afterschool programming, and school mental health practice.

As they delve into the discussion, Don and Dawn explore the profound impact that youth sports can have on young athletes, not just in terms of physical skills development, but also in fostering essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Drawing from her own experiences as a college athlete and coach, Dawn sheds light on the transformative power of sports in shaping the character and values of today's youth.

With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, Dawn and Don examine how the principles of positive youth development can be applied within the realm of fencing, a sport renowned for its discipline and mental fortitude. From grassroots initiatives to high-performance training programs, they discuss strategies for creating an environment where every young athlete has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
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