Importance of Games and Sports

As rightly said- memories are made in the ground, outside the classrooms. One  of  the  main  determinants  of  a  healthy  lifestyle  for  school going  children is  proper physical activity. The optimal amount of physical activity is a prerequisite for children’s physical and mental health. ‘A healthy mind lives in a healthy body’. Sports and games are undoubtedly the building blocks of health and character of children. Their importance in the over-all and holistic development of children cannot be denied. They enrich and improve our lives beyond measure.

The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece as early as 3000 years ago. Archery, swimming, gymnastics, athletics, sprinting can be traced back to 3000 to 5000 years. In the beginning, sports were meant to prepare for warfare or to train as hunters. However, with the introduction of Olympic Games, Sports became more popular and started to be seen as forms of entertainment and social interaction. 

Though in the recent years children have started to neglect sports and are often more interested in modern forms of entertainment like video and gaming, they spend a lot of time playing with gadgets and they do not like to play any outdoor games. They rather prefer watching TV or spending time on their laptops, tabs or smart phones! The attraction to sports is dwindling. Children are lured into virtual online gaming. 

Lack of sports and physical activities have major implications on the health of children such as increased risk of obesity and diabetes. Children have become more vulnerable to illnesses, allergies and other physical issues. Although there may be other causes contributing to this but lack of exercise definitely plays a major role. Research has also shown that this can impact children's mental health and well-being, along with their academic performance. Ergo, sports become even more important as they provide much needed exercise to young children. Staying healthy, making right lifestyle choices are integral to a child’s overall growth.

Children are storehouse of energy, which is why sports are all the more necessary. They channelize energy in the right direction. They feel rejuvenated and learn to cope with obstacles and difficulties in life. They also aid in balancing their emotional and mental growth, boost confidence and stimulate competitive behaviour.

Sports teach us values and skills such as time management, concentration, focus, sportsmanship, teamwork and coordination that play a pivotal role in our lives. Not playing games mean missing all these skills. Parents must encourage children to play outdoor games and wean them off TV and other gadgets. 

Children are good at imitating, they emulate what elders do. We must set a good example for our kids. We have the ability to foster an environment where staying healthy is a priority. We must become role models for our children and strive to create a lifestyle where sports are a vital part of routine.