It is often forgotten that academic learning and sporting activity are two sides of the same coin. In times of economic hardship, many schools tend to cut down on sporting activity for students.
But the relevance of sports in the overall development of children must not be taken lightly. Sports education helps in not only building up physical stamina but also all-round development of personality and traits that will stand them in good stead in adulthood.
The following are some of the benefits of sports in school which have been exploited by the best schools in Beirut:
Improves Health
A healthy mind resides only in a healthy body. Sports and physical activity contribute to good health:
- Strengthens the heart
- Reduces fat and cleanses veins and arteries
- Strengthens lungs and enhances breathing
- Helps control weight and stay slim
- Helps prevent cancer
Develops Psycho-Motor Skills
The development of psycho-motor skills of kids will help them channel their time and energy in the proper way. Kids can release their dejections and frustration by playing sports.
Promotes Camaraderie
Sports activities offer a good time and place for students to bond with family, teachers and classmates. Sports offer many opportunities to build friendships and interact positively with others. It promotes the spirit of healthy competition among students.
Develops Self-confidence
Forming support groups and cliques in the sporting arena instils much self-confidence in students. They also become confident and motivated when they achieve success in various games. Confidence also spills over to other aspects of student life, especially academics.
Cultivating Discipline
Students who are involved in sports need to maintain discipline. Firstly, they need to obey the rules and regulations of the game and adhere to the advice offered by mentors and coaches. Secondly, they must devote adequate time and energy to practice the game.
Encourage Teamwork
One of the best qualities developed by joining team sports is that of teamwork. This quality will stand the child in good stead even as an adult. He will develop this valuable skill, which is useful at the workplace and for career success.
Spirit of Sportsmanship
A sport teaches the value of the quality of humility. Students learn to accept both success and failure with humility. Sports will teach you to handle failure and to start fresh. This is a trait valuable in adulthood.
Showcasing Talent
Being good at a sport could bring out better qualities of a student. When students excel in sports, it is a good opportunity to showcase their talent and inspire others. It is also a chance to better prospects like landing sports scholarship.
Less Criminal Activity
Manypieces of research have indicated that students who take part in sports and physical activity are less likely to veer towards criminal activities. This is because engaging in sports reduces the amount of unsupervised free time on their hand and reduces boredom. This makes options like drugs, alcohol, smoking, theft less attractive to students.
The benefits of playing sports are manifold and lead to balanced mental growth. It helps teach life skills like teamwork, socialization, patience, leadership and sportsmanship. It inculcates discipline, confidence and the value of playing within rules.
