Sports Report Was Insulting

To the Editor,

We were so disappointed to read the article, “Ties Endanger Shot at Top Playoff Seed,” written by Steve Bigham, and concerning the Newtown High School boys’ soccer team.

We were not disappointed with the outcome of the game between Newtown and Kolbe Cathedral, but were distressed to read the reporter’s description of Kolbe’s team, to wit, “a tough club made up of talented inner-city Bridgeport athletes, many of whom communicated in Spanish.”  What business does this have to do with the game itself?  Would you not expect a challenge to your beloved soccer team from a team from of all places, Bridgeport?  Did Spanish prevent Newtown players from scoring?  As reported, the coach himself stated that Newtown had a handful of opportunities during regulation and overtime, that Kolbe dominated the game at times, and that they may have underestimated Kolbe.

As Newtown residents born and raised in Bridgeport, we find Mr Bigham’s words so very insulting, reeking of prejudice, and contrary to the many lessons we, as parents of four boys, strive to teach our own children about seeing the person — not the color, not where he lives, and not what language he speaks.

Don’t make excuses for our kids when they face defeat. Winning, losing, or, in this case, tying, may be different situations, but should all present opportunities for learning sportsmanship and continue to foster a love of the game, whatever game that may be.

                        Yours very truly,

                   Joe & Christine DeVellis

44 Key Rock Road                       November 1, 1999