Start Smart

The Start Smart Development Program was originally developed based on a study showing that 49% of children participating in organized sports do not have the minimum motor skills necessary to be successful in those programs. The study showed that children who are given proper motor skill instruction in a fun, supervised setting are more likely to be ready for organized sports. The National Alliance for Youth Sports developed the Start Smart series as a method of allowing parents and children an opportunity to have a positive first time sports experience and continue participating in sports beyond the introductory level. In 2007, The Town of Tonawanda Youth Parks and Recreation Department has joined forces with the National Alliance of Youth Sports to bring the Start Smart Series to our community with the hope of increasing programming for preschoolers and to prepare them for successful future involvement in organized sports. Currently, the Town of Tonawanda Youth Parks and Recreation Department offers the various Start Smart programs at various times throughout the year.