Palatine event to ask if children should specialize in sports

A panel of sports experts including Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz, a former NFL Pro Bowl star, along with an orthopedic surgeon and a child psychologist will discuss the pros and cons of early sports specialization in young athletes at a free workshop hosted by the Palatine Park District next Thursday.

The discussion will include what science and experience say about potential outcomes and will include practical methods of optimizing youth success both on and off the field.

Joining Schwantz, who played in the NFL for seven years, will be Dr. Bruce Goldberg, who specializes in sports medicine and has served as team physician for more than 30 years, and Joe Scally, who served as the national director of training for the Positive Coaching Alliance from 2007 to 2010.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. Feb. 25, at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center at 150 E. Wood St. in Palatine. It's free but reservations are required. The reserve a seat call (847) 202-5222 or visit www.cuttinghall.org.