Youth sailing: What are you paying for?

Looking at massive Optimist racing fleets, the sport appears healthy and growing. But when it is associated with significant coaching, home-schooling, and extensive travel, is this how to grow the sport? According to a Facebook post by Lakewood Yacht Club (Seabrook, TX), adapted from an active parent, it turns out the objective may have nothing to do with sailing:

One father asks another: “Why do you spend so much money and time on training, championships, and spend so much time running around to see your son compete?”

The other father responds: “I don’t pay for my son to compete!”

The inquisitive father continues: “So, if you don’t pay for him to train and compete, what are you paying for?”

The first father explains:
I pay for those moments when my son is so tired and he feels like he wants to give up, but he doesn’t.
I pay for the opportunity he can have and make lasting friendships.
I pay for the opportunity that he can have amazing coaches who will teach him not just about sailing or competitions, but about life.
I also pay for my son to learn to be more disciplined, to learn to take care of his body.
I pay for my son to be able to learn to work with others, supportive, kind and a respectful TEAM member.
I pay for my son to learn to deal with disappointment when he doesn’t win or misses a move even though he has practiced a thousand times, and still remains determined to do better next time.
I pay for my son to learn how to create and pursue his dreams.
I pay for my son to learn that it takes days, months, years of hard work and practice to create a champion, and that success doesn’t happen overnight.
I pay so that my son can be involved in sports, instead of getting involved with the wrong things that life offers.
I could continue, but to be brief, I don’t pay for him to train or sail, but for the opportunities that sport provides for my son to develop attributes that will serve him throughout his life.
In short, I think it’s not about paying or spending money, but a big investment, and it’s the least I can do for my son.