Clemson hosting conference on importance of play

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Playtime isn’t just for children anymore.

More than 200 health professionals, educators and parents are gathering at Clemson University starting Sunday for a conference on the importance of incorporating play into life for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Fran Mainella, a visiting scholar at Clemson, is co-chairwoman of the US Play Coalition. She says play is essential for quality of life.

Mainella served as the first female director of the National Park Service.

Speakers at the four-day meeting include doctors, recreation experts and Michele Smith, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in softball.