Importance of Sports in Students Lives
“The ability to conquer one’s self is no doubt the most precious of all things that sports
bestows” – Olga Korbut
Harvest International School as it says “Education Beyond Classrooms” focuses not just on academics but also renders great opportunities for students to develop different skills with designed sports programs which are age appropriate.
Importance of Sports in Students Lives is certainly the most important contribution to enhance their physical and mental development. It paves the foundation to develop positive values, acts as a powerful tool that breaks down all the barriers and makes children feel fit both physically and mentally. As students enter the ground that they wish to, it serves them a lifetime experience – the positive energy from their peers, the inspiration and motivation that flows through them, the moments shared, the time spent together during practice sessions, the team spirit, and all the more the friendship that grows along. To add on, sports even contributes to the physical development and good posture that helps to strengthen the body and mind of the young ones.
Students at the Montessori and primary levels are guided with sports activities that help them in the development of fine & gross motor skills, balancing, agility, eye-hand coordination, eye-foot coordination; thereby initiating the enthusiasm of sportsmanship and igniting the aspiring young minds. As students progress through different sports, they explore and create their individual interest for a particular sport that they would like to get trained.
Sports at Harvest International School instils the sense of sportsmanship, endurance to withstand difficulties, balance emotional and social quotients and bring the team spirit among students. Sports activities are designed to help our students maintain selfdiscipline, physical and mental fitness, build stamina and act as a mind reliever. Playing sports can immensely boost the overall physical and mental health by acting as a stress buster. Sports and exercise can help release endorphins, the neurotransmitters that are released by the brain to alleviate pain and promote pleasure.
Some common benefits & Importance of Sports in Students Lives:
- Promote physical and mental health
- Calm down the mind and improve the mood
- Produce long-term mental health effects
- Build collaboration and cooperation with team sports
- Help fight addiction and depression
At the high school level, games and sports activities at Harvest focuses on the student’s personality and innate skills. This creates a sense of competence and leadership among their peers. Students are exposed to a wide range of competitions and challenges which can be adventurous.
As a career, sports give a plethora of opportunities for students to become a sports person, sports coach, sports journalist, sports photographer, sports administrators, sports public relationship manager, umpires, referees, sports entrepreneurs, sports academicians, physiotherapists, sports nutritionists, sports psychologists, sports analytics / critics, sports merchandising and sports governance. Colleges offer scholarships for students who participate in sports and there are colleges that offer sports courses and career opportunities.
Some of the sports handles in Harvest International School during the physical education (PE) classes include football, basketball, cricket and skating where students can choose the sport of their choice. Right from the basics to the core of the chosen sport will be delivered to the students. Those who excel and are very much interested in the sport enter the selection process for the school team which will be categorized on age criteria. Once in the school team, they get the exposure and chance to participate in various inter-school competitions. The categories include under 10, under 12, under 14 & under 16. These students will experience an advanced level of coaching keeping tournaments in mind.
Harvest offers Physical Education courses in the higher secondary level (grades 11 & 12). In term 1, students learn to understand the game (any one of – football, cricket, badminton, kho-kho, basketball); know the rules, regulations & measurements of the game thoroughly; and undergo the Physical Fitness Test from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Term 2 includes Yoga, wherein students have demonstration and viva. This comes with a touch of science throwing light on bio-mechanism which helps students develop their endurance and agility. Students learn to plan, organise and conduct a tournament to show the subject application.
Nutrition in sports is an essential factor in attaining excellence in sports. Hence, emphasis is placed on the health of students. For the adolescent athletes and children to attain proper growth and outperform in sports, nutritional aspects play a vital role. The young sportsmen should learn about the foods that are good for energy, time and time periods to have these foods, when and what to eat to replenish after the activities. A balanced diet containing appropriate amounts of macronutrients (such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and micronutrients (such as vitamins and minerals) is essential to provide the energy required for growth and activity. It is essential for children to stay hydrated to support their athletic performance.
While children enjoy their game time with their peers, the joy of winning the tournament, the strategies shared and executed, they await the results of their hard work too. It gives them a sense of satisfaction and the pride of honour as they win; but when they lose, a new learning begins. Some of the key leadership skills that one can apply in sports includes:
- Preparation and Hard Work
- A positive approach towards the game
- Mental stability and Perseverance
This can help children to approach the game with well-equipped strategies, acceptance, confidence and perseverance to win. Harvest focuses on every detail starting from the attire worn for each sport to becoming successful leaders.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” – Nelson Mandela
