I think it's interesting how sports always seems to win over academics. Even among the middle class or more affluent families, they are willing to spend hour upon hour each week shuttling their kids from practice to practice, but how many hours do they have their child do math? Or read? It is culturally acceptable to "push" your kid with sports, and sign the kid up for every sport possible, but god forbid encouraging a child to spend more time with academics.
It's culturally UNacceptable to not have your kid involved in sports of some type. I cannot tell you how many times someone has asked me if DS8 is on a soccer team. No, he isn't but he takes soccer and gymnastics at his Chinese aftercare. As soon as they hear that he has some sports involvement, it's okay; he won't grow up to be a crazy, anti-social recluse.
Our neighbor's teenager is obsessed with baseball and has natural talent; he probably will get a college scholarship. They sign him up for traveling teams and spend weekends at tournaments; he has tons of practices and games they attend. Yet they looked askance at me when I mentioned DS8 (at the time DS5) was reading Harry Potter; it was all "Let him be a kid!" Umm...he's pulling me along; I just support his habit. 
