DO not neglect sports in school, as sports foster a sense of community. Sports transcend race and religion. Sports also keep students away from unhealthy activities.

In a study done in 15 urban schools in the country, it was found that 67 per cent of schoolchildren do not take sports seriously.

The reasons cited were laziness, the perception that there were no benefits from exercise and sports and the lack of facilities in schools.

Those who came from affluent families were more cognisant of the importance of sports such as golf, tennis, gymnastics, swimming and martial arts but prefer to take up sports outside their school.

At the same time, 38 per cent of these schoolchildren admitted to having had disciplinary problems.

A good lifestyle for children can be attributed to sports. Besides growing up healthy, they learn to value punctuality.

Preaching to children about these wholesome values alone is insufficient.

Children should engage in the practical aspect of these tenets.

They have to be induced to do it right from young and one of the best ways of nurturing these values is engaging them in sports.

Sportsmen value time. Time decides their performance and will also determine their achievements. They perform within a time limit or perform to beat time to achieve their best.

Even if children do not excel in their studies, sports can build their self-confidence.

Many sportsmen earn a living through sports.

Sports have also made them more tolerant of each other irrespective of race or religion.

The spirit of unity can be seen in sports throughout the world and, in the process of excelling in sports, people have grown to be more understanding, mature and committed to themselves and the community.

Studies have shown that besides physical health, sports can help improve one’s mental health through discipline.

Sportsmen can control their emotions better after going through physical training.

This helps them accept defeat in life, control their anger and think more rationally.

Students’ deviant behaviour can be restrained by encouraging them to engage in sports.

This effect among children has been seen in many schools where the principals have promoted sports.

Children have changed for the better and this has made school life much more congenial for students.

Self-discipline is formed through habit.

Therefore, engaging students in sports should start when they are young.

Schools should, therefore, make sports a routine, besides encouraging students to take up other activities that help their mental development, emotional strength and the nurturing of self-discipline and self-confidence.

DR M.A. NAIR, Bandar Muadzam Shah

Source: NST – November 20, 2008