Many different programs and events have come and gone over Missouri Western’s more than 100-year history, but one particular program may be one of the longest running. The Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy began in 1973.
In a 1974 edition of an alumni newsletter, an article about the academy noted that it was held from 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for two weeks, and was coordinated by Dr. Charles Erickson, who was the chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at the time; and Don Deaton, who was the coordinator of recreation.
With a few additions and subtractions over years, the activities haven’t changed a lot – that first year the academy offered swimming, archery, bait casting, canoeing, golf, trampoline, tumbling, hunter safety, trap shooting and marksmanship.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the 2020 edition of the academy to be canceled, most likely for the first time in its almost 50-year history.
Photos from the 2019 Children’s Lifetime Sports Academy:
