Using Sport as a ‘hook’
Sport is an attractive activity for a person of any age. That’s how the World Cup cricket or football is so popular the world over. It even attracts people who have never played such games. Sports and physical education (PE) can be used as a medium to recruit children and young people to health and education programmes. Sport and development projects that focus on educational outcomes can use sport as a platform to deliver educational messages to participants, spectators, and citizenry in general.
Sports have been found to promote and develop other aspects of education such as school attendance and leadership. Sport does not inherently provide direct educational outcomes. Much of the literature emphasizes the crucial role of physical education teachers and other providers of physical activity and sport as determinants of educational experiences.
Academic learning and sports education are to go together. In the refugee camps across the world the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), is using sport and games to promote young people, particularly young women to attend school. In addition, UNICEF has a strong focus on using sport to campaign for girls’ education, health-related fitness in promoting education through actions and awareness campaigns.
Learning performance
Sport-based programmes have been shown to improve the learning capacity, school attendance and a desire to succeed academically. Research in developed countries indicate the impacts of sport into health and development, there are studies that support this relationship in developing countries as well.
A study by UNHCR on sports participation among children and young people in Namibia has revealed that those who participated in sport and physical activity were more likely to pass the Grade 10 examinations. There is further research that suggests this relationship continues in tertiary education.
PE and Sports play a very vital role in the development of Mental Strength, and Physical Fitness of a Body. Being a student one gets tired of attending school, and tuition classes daily and needs recreation as well which is best attained in the form of Sports.
Sports educations not only improves the physical stamina in students, but also obedience, leadership qualities, maintaining the teamwork and display the team spirit and the determination to win. The power of reasoning, mental development, vocational specialization comes from the academics to the students. Therefore, sports education along with the academics helps in the mental, moral and physical development of the students.
In this modern era, it is up to the parents, teachers, and schools to help to mould, develop, and instill these qualities into the lives of a student. In order for this to happen, school sports programs must be in place. The first thing they need is to participate in an organized sports event. The second component is the ability of an organization to capture the admiration and trust of schools and its students. This is crucial because if one can capture a person’s admiration and trust one can motivate them to perform at a higher level not only in sports but also in their own lives. Thus, there is a great responsibility on the parents, teachers, and schools to help young students make a smooth transition into society. The third and most crucial of all is the support that comes from significant others as a student needs to know that they are appreciated.
Present Situation:
Against this background, organized sports facilities are non-existence in most of the schools in cities in India except a very few. What open spaces were to be found even 20 years backs have been lost to real estate growth. Further, the insane education system in the country makes every child slog giving very little time for children to look towards sports. Thus, Physical Education and Sports which are an integral part of our curriculum remains only on paper. There is an urgent need to recognize the benefits of sports and integrate it with education. To achieve these aims, it’s going to take investment in money, time and expertise.
Benefits of Playing Sports: Let Sports be for Everybody
If you are considering entering into a sports activity or perhaps would like your children to be involved in athletic pursuits, take a look at these terrific benefits of playing sports. There are so many positives outside of simply learning to win a game which can greatly impact the quality of you or your child’s life.
Physical Fitness
Everyone knows that sports involve exercise and therefore anyone who plays will benefit from increased fitness. What many people don’t know however are the other physical components which are greatly enhanced by playing sports. Golf, for example, is not considered to be as physically exerting yet offers great toning and muscle enhancement. The golf swing alone comprises multiple sets of movements that strengthen the core muscles in the body as well as toning the arms and shoulders. The walking and trekking with a golf bag will provide increased circulation and cardio health. Basketball, volleyball and other sports that require jumping and stretching will increase height in children as they are still developing bones and muscle structure. Swimming gives your entire body work out and is one of the best
forms of physical fitness for your overall health. Any sport which involves throwing a ball will increase the strength in the arms and legs. Sports which involve running such as soccer, basketball or football will increase endurance, stamina as well as circulation, lung and heart health. If you are trying to determine which sport to play or which activity your child will most enjoy, consider some of these physical benefits.
Leadership and Confidence:
Regardless of age, the leadership benefits of playing sports are one of the many positives. Most sports require a level of decision making, quick thinking skills, and analysis as well as motivational prowess. When involved with a team or game you will participate in encouraging your teammates, motivating them and planning your strategies for the game.
Children develop confidence from sports not simply from winning games but also from the social development established from being part of a team. The camaraderie and friendships which are bonded through constant practice and playtime will be long-lasting and help instill a sense of community and leadership.
Stress Release:
Any physical activity will ultimately help alleviate stress. This is one of the many benefits of playing sports. When the body exerts itself physically, endorphins are released in the body. These feel-good hormones help calm and soothe the body, therefore eliminating stress. Also, muscles will release built-up toxins and tensions allowing healing and reparation to take place.
Social Skills:
Being a part of a team brings a sense of togetherness which is great, especially for children and teens. The team usually travels together, celebrates and mourns together. This helps bond the individuals and provides a family environment. The ability to lead, motivate and enhance teammates adds to the social skills already developed. Children also learn about winning and losing and begin to handle the challenges of defeat. The spirit of good sportsmanship and team prides are great building blocks for future leadership and social awareness.
Cognitive Skills:
According to research, children who play sports often improve math skills. Some sports such as tennis, baseball or others that require aim and hitting skills will promote better focus and accuracy. Most sports also teach calm thinking strategies to promote playing under pressure without the stress and overwhelming consequences. This is valuable lesson for children especially to learn and adapt to real life. Although there are many physical benefits of playing sports, leadership and cognitive skills are also major factors. Sports will enhance the life of any adult or child and creates sense of community, pride, and determination.