Youth Sports & Physical Education
Wanting to live the best life possible can start at an early age. Kids learn the health benefits of staying physically active through sports and exercise. The rise in obesity, cholesterol levels, and Type 2 diabetes in today's youth clearly emphasizes the importance of youth sports and physical education. Engaging in after-school and summer sports programs, in addition to physical education classes in school, helps create healthy lifestyles and positive outlooks for kids today.
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Benefits
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Initially kids participate in sports for fun and competitive play, but according to the Surgeon General, the ultimate gain from physical activity and sports lies in a healthy body and lowering the risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, and obesity. The Surgeon General states that 12.5 million children in the United States classify as being overweight, and this population suffers from a greater risk of serious health problems. However being involved in sports or actively participating in physical education classes in school help reduce these risks.
Impact
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In addition to combating obesity, sports positively impacts the social development of kids. According to a research study published in 2000 by International Journal of Sport Psychology and conducted by K.R. Fox entitled "Self-esteem, Self-perceptions, and Exercise," sports influences the outlook and self-worth of many young adults, particularly young women. Feeling valuable as a team member and what they can bring to the field or court enhances feelings of confidence and positive self-esteem in kids. Physical Education classes in school act as an introduction to many of the sports that kids explore as they get older. Through Physical Education classes and their National Association for Sport and Physical Education Standards, many kids discover sports or certain aerobic exercise they never experienced before and develop an interest.
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Types
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Youth sports ranging from soccer and volleyball to water polo and competitive swimming become available to kids on a year-round basis through school, clubs and parks and recreation departments. The International Sports Federation lists 33 competitive sports and about 400 events recognized by the Olympic Movement. Even though sports such as football, surfing, and golf are not listed, they are still considered a sport by many kids who take the field, dive in the ocean or walk on the fairways. Some sports available for kids include basketball, baseball, softball, hockey, gymnastics, soccer, tennis, football, and martial arts.
Injuries
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Injuries become one of the risks of participating in sports and physical education classes. The intensity of the sport usually increases the risk of injury, but with all sports a chance of spraining muscles or breaking bones is possible. Stretching before and after each game or session helps increase flexibility and lower the risks for certain muscle sprains.
Participation
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The increasing awareness of health benefits, as well as the competitive nature and enjoyment experienced through sports and physical education, helped increase the number of participants. At school, every student must actively participate in physical education to pass the course. Youth sports, however, tend to be more of a voluntary effort. The 2000 U.S. Census reported that 30.6 percent of children ages 6 to 11 participated in sports, and 37.2 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds. In 2003, the numbers increased to 36.2 percent and 41.8 percent, respectively.
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References
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- Photo Credit sports image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com
