Improved self-esteem Is another benefit of competitive youth sports. When a child wins a game with his team, he feels accomplished and recognized. Even when he doesn’t win, he can learn a valuable lesson: that you can’t win every time. Losing with his team can also increase self-esteem, as he learns to hold his head high and feel proud for trying his best. Participating in sports gives athletes the ability to develop tight and lasting friendships with others who have common Interests. This is a valuable experience that usually leaves them with lasting life long memories.
When one takes a good look at the wide range of benefits available to those who participate competitively In sports, one cannot help but see how comprehensive they could be In the development of a well-rounded Individual. The application of these attributes to one’s life outside of sports is something few can argue with. At least that would seem to be the case, right? Yet, this Is not necessarily the perception of everyone, nor does what we see emphasized in the media support this view.
Self-centered attitudes, promiscuous behavior, poor character choices, winning at all costs attitudes, and even illegal activities, centering on athletes, seem to dominate headlines. So then, why is that the case? Is all that I have listed just a fantasy, something we truly wish to be true but isn’t, or is there something else that has superseded the positive benefits competitive athletes “should” be getting? All important questions that will need to be addressed In order to put competitive sports participation back on a positive track. Millions of American children and teenagers are overweight.
This obesity epidemic has make the early onset of health problems such as diabetes more common. Participating in competitive youth sports burns calories and helps to prevent obesity. Additionally, many children who are active In sports are motivated to eat healthier foods, such as fruits and vegetables There Is a misconception that competition is bad; that self-esteem will be affected if a child loses. BUT to lose, is not to be a Loser. If a child can experience the thrill of winning and the disappointment f losing early in life through competitive sports, they will be well equipped for the reality of life.
Competition provides motivation to achieve a goal; to demonstrate determination, creativity and perseverance to overcome challenges; and to understand that hard work and commitment leads to a greater chance of success The importance of sports in the life of a young student is invaluable and goes much further than the basic answer that “it keeps kids off the streets. ” It does in fact keep kids off the streets, but it also instill lessons that are essential in the life off student athlete.
Sports play a pivotal role In the makeup of a young athlete, especially In the middle school to high school years where student athletes are much more mature and mentally developed. Where else can a young, impressionable youth learn values 1 OFF which may be the most influential tool in the lives of young adults, does not show enough of these qualities, nor is it on the Internet, or radio. Rather it is up to the parents, teachers, sports teams, clubs, and after school programs to help mold, develop, and instill these qualities into the lives of student athletes.
Sports are revered around the world as activities that bring people and nations together. They inspire, give hope, teach determination and demonstrate that the underdog can win. Sport and physical education is fundamental to the early development of children and youth and the skills learned during play, physical education and sport contribute to the holistic development of young people. Through participation in sport and physical education, young people learn about the importance of key values such as: onsets, teamwork, fair play, respect for themselves and others, and adherence to rules.
It also provides a forum for young people to learn how to deal with competition and how to cope with both winning and losing. These learning aspects highlight the impact of physical education and sport on a child’s social and moral development in addition to physical skills and abilities. In terms of physical and health aspects of child and youth development, there is an overwhelming amount of evidence that focuses on the (mostly positive) effects of sport…
