Home » Inclusion » Youth » Parents » Active Parent Education Kit » Value of sport and recreation

Value of sport and recreation

Active Parent Education Kit Fact Sheet 2

null
Related topics: , ,

Value of sport and recreationSport and recreation is not about winning, it’s about helping to build stronger, healthier, happier, and safer communities.

Sport and recreation

  • Builds communities through social inclusion and a sense of connection.
  • Helps bind families through shared experience and achievements.
  • Helps address anti-social behaviour.

Social value

  • Catalyst for community gatherings – people play, talk and share experiences.
  • Social cohesion – positive impacts on physical and mental wellbeing.
  • Creates new relationships among contrasting social groups
  • – children are given opportunities to connect with the wider community.
  • Prevents at-risk behaviour e.g. reduces boredom and apathy.

Educational value

  • Children who engage in sport and/or active recreation often perform better academically, enjoy school and even complete their homework more frequently.
  • Improves cognitive functioning and academic ability.
  • Provides the chance to gain valuable life skills.

Health value

  • Promotes better mental health (e.g. higher levels of self-esteem, motivation and self-worth).
  • Cardiovascular disease prevention.
  • Diabetes prevention and control.
  • Primary prevention of some cancers.
  • Injury prevention.

Family value

  • Brings families together when parents act as role models.
  • As parents you can help your children to enjoy and maintain an active lifestyle by:
  • Being active with your children.
  • Finding activities your children enjoy.
  • Encouraging your children to join a sporting club. Search the Find A Club database at www.dsr.wa.gov.au/clubsonline.
  • Start a Family Nature Club. To find out more visit www.natureplaywa.org.au.
  • Planning active family events e.g. bushwalking or kite flying.
  • Walking your children to and from school (if possible).

“Sport has the power to unite people in a way little else can. Sport can create hope. Breaks down racial barriers … laughs in the face of discrimination … speaks to people in a language they can understand.”
 – Nelson Mandela

Source:

Department of Sport and Recreation WA. (2009). More than winning.
Retrieved on the 13/11/09, from www.dsr.wa.gov.au/building-stronger-communities

 
Other related pages Where would you like to go next?