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Health Capsules

Sport in schools

Vanessa Rivers

Sport in schools

We live in an era where daily occupations require little physical effort while around us all rolls at a crazy speed. In this context, the acquisition of healthy lifestyles becomes a real challenge for young people and for those who try to teach them. Fortunately, there is an essential tool to promote academic success and help young people develop healthy habits: move!
 

Sport in an educational environment makes it possible to:

 
• Develop sports social behaviors;
• Develop a sense of belonging;
• Increase self-esteem;
• Have a better concentration;
• acquire healthy long-term habits;
• Reduce stress;
• Avoid dropping out of school;
• Improve physical fitness;
• and enjoy better physical and mental health.
 

Sport initiatives in schools

 
Fortunately, the innovative initiatives of educational institutions to encourage and motivate young people in their academic career are more and more often the headlines. The trend is also toward democracy in sporting practice in preference to promoting the competitive spirit among peers. Initiatives focus on activities or challenges that have a positive effect on youth concentration, self-esteem, discipline, perseverance and reduced stress.
 
There is also the insertion of practical tools that come into effect in some institutions such as:
 
• Bicycle desks and reading stations with silent pedals
• Meditation and yoga
• The spinning sessions
• Karate in the schoolyard.
 
All ideas are good for activating neurons and offering the chance for future generations to grow into a healthy body and mind.
 

Sports and ADHD

 
More and more studies show that physical activity is beneficial for children with ADHD. School sport allows them to let off steam in a controlled environment, to channel their energy overflowing, to have more ease of concentration in class so to be more efficient, effective and consistent. Sport improves social skills and develops more motor skills and abilities.
 

In conclusion

 
Sports in school has only positive effects for youth. The day-to-day integration of sports activities or challenges for all, in classrooms or elsewhere in the school is a very effective approach to development and academic success. Creative and innovative sports initiatives bring a breath of fresh air to education.
 
It's up to us to turn them into active students, not high passive ones!