Donald Deibler, a business owner and manager of All Stars Ice Cream and Cafe Bakery in Hegins, Pennsylvania, is calling on communities to bolster youth sports programs. He emphasizes that sports provide more than competition—they offer young people opportunities to stay active, build friendships, and develop teamwork skills.
Deibler, who grew up in Donaldson, Pennsylvania, credits sports with giving him a positive focus during his youth. ‘Sports gave me something positive to focus on when I was younger,’ he said. ‘If we can help local kids have those same opportunities, that matters.’ His personal experiences have shaped his belief in teamwork, which he now applies in his business and community involvement.
Research underscores the importance of physical activity for young people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, which can improve muscle and bone strength, cardiovascular fitness, brain health, and academic performance. Organized sports are one way to meet these guidelines, but participation is not universal. According to federal data cited by the Aspen Institute, only 54% of U.S. children aged 6 to 17 played on a sports team or took lessons in 2022, down from 58% in 2017. The national Healthy People 2030 target is 63%. Deibler sees these numbers as a call to action.
Deibler volunteers as a youth sports coach and supports local programs like Tri-Valley Little League. He believes that businesses have a role in supporting their communities. ‘A business is part of the community around it,’ he said. ‘You have to remember the people who support you and find ways to support them too.’ His hands-on approach extends to his involvement with Dead Horse Beer & Burritos, owned by his wife, where he steps into the kitchen when needed. ‘I’ve always believed that you have to be willing to help where the work is happening,’ he said.
Deibler encourages individuals to find practical ways to contribute, such as volunteering with recreation programs, attending games, coaching, maintaining fields, or donating equipment. He notes that physical activity doesn’t have to be structured; simple activities like walking, running, or playing at the playground count. ‘You don’t always have to do something huge to make a difference,’ he said. ‘Sometimes it is giving your time, helping a team, or just showing kids that people in the community care.’
The CDC provides guidelines on physical activity for youth, and the Aspen Institute offers data on sports participation trends. Deibler’s message is clear: communities can make a difference by supporting youth sports in whatever way they can. He urges residents to contact local recreation programs, schools, and churches to learn how they can help. The first step, he says, is identifying a need and deciding how to meet it.
