The Importance of Sports in Education

A sound and healthy body is key to a sound and healthy mind. Mental well-being is an individual's strength to unprecedented success.

Sports has always played a vital role in the physical and mental development of a human body. Sporting activities and programs have been known for reinforcing  the 5 C's of mental health. The five C's include Confidence, Connection, Competence, Character, and Compassion (Lerner et al, 2002). In a rapidly changing world, where social & practical skills are given greater importance in all facets of life, it is important for educational institutes to indentify the positive role sports and games play in a child's development (Bowenn & Hitt, 2016).

A school's sports program should be able to foster optimal child development (Thomas et al, 2005).  The goal of optimal development is to encourage people to live a healthy and productive life throughout their adolescence and adulthood (Thomas et al, 2005). Optimal child development is achieved by reinforcing the principle of 5 C's. Individuals who have experienced optimal development are considered to be more positive in life and , they are also capable of utilizing their strengths and abilities in a manner that will lead them to profound success (Peterson, 2004).

Connection in sports is related to individuals meeting and making new friends. It gives people an opportunity to sharpen their social and networking skills as they interact and play with different players.  In order to be a successful sports personnel, players should learn the art of team work and communication. The social skills obtained through sports can be used by individuals to connect with new networks in other areas of life (Pomohaci & Sopa, 2016).  Sporting activities in school's should therefore,  focus on making students work together as a team. This trait will enlighten  students with the techniques of working together on various projects and tasks.

Confidence in sports is related to an individual's mental ability in backing their strength's & potential. A sports personnel without confidence will be incompetent in the playing field. An individual must hence learn the art of believing in his or her own abilities regardless of the other players on field.  The school's role is to ensure students are given enough on-field opportunities to believe in themselves. Students will then be able to translate this confidence into everyday life, making them more positive in their approach to life. It could also lead to better grades and higher academic performances.

At Global Indian International School in Abu Dhabi, the coaches take extra measures to ensure student's are given enough opportunities to build confidence, networking skills, character and competence as it can greatly enhance the students outlook to life. With reinforced 5 C's, students will be able to excel in their educational and extracurricular activities. It will also keep them prepared for life ahead in University and eventually a professional working environment as these places requires individuals with high traits in confidence, connection and competence.