As a coach, this author likes to share some thoughts on children and sports. After 42 years in athletics in all capacities--coach, athletic director, official, parent, athlete, and observer--he can easily say he has seen, heard, or experienced it all. Each experience has helped him gain some insights on youth and interscholastic sports. Parent of an exceptional child may be experiencing right now his/her child's joy, frustration, enthusiasm, success, and failure as they begin or continue their sports experience. In the process, the author hopes that parents will find a few points that may be helpful to them as the parent of a child with special needs, interested in athletics and eager to experience competition, excitement, and fun. This article discusses some values and concepts that are the foundation of what athletics should be bringing to a child's life.