America’s First Sport lacrosse documentary

WCNY, Central New York’s public broadcasting company, will air “America’s First Sport,” a documentary about the history, legacy and future of the game of lacrosse.The program airs at 9 p.m. Nov. 18 on WCNY, at 8 p.m. Nov. 21 on World and at 8 p.m. Nov. 24 on Plus.Lacrosse, the fastest growing sport in the 21st century, presents the sport with a new set of opportunities and challenges that the documentary highlights. Grounded in both the spiritual and political traditions of the Haudenosaunee people, the story of lacrosse is a window into the traditions of Native culture. While most athletic pastimes are purely a game, lacrosse was used to settle disputes, establish unions, cure the sick and worship.“America’s First Sport” features luminaries including Roy Simmons Jr., who won six NCAA national champions as coach of the Syracuse University team; Dave Pietramala, longtime coach of the Johns Hopkins’ men’s lacrosse team; Quint Kessenich, ESPN lacrosse commentator; college players; and members of the Buffalo Bandits, Boston Canons and other professional lacrosse organizations.“America’s First Sport” was made possible by funding from members of the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics Advisory Board at Syracuse University and other generous donors.