Hello sports lovers, this edition of my column is strictly on the league and development.
Now that the Nigeria soccer season is on, it is good to maximizing the positive aspects of sports.
Many of the core values inherent in sports are compatible with the principles necessary for development and peace, such as fair play, co-operation, sharing and respect.
The life skills learned through sports help empower individuals and enhance psychosocial well-being, such as increased resiliency, self-esteem and connections with others.
These features of sports are beneficial to people of all ages, but they are especially vital to the healthy development of young people.
Sports, especially soccer; however, is a reflection of the society. It should be acknowledged that sports, like many aspects of the society, simultaneously encompasses some of the worst human traits, including violence, corruption, discrimination, hooliganism, excessive nationalism, and cheating.
However, these negative aspects of sports by no means outweigh its potential positive benefits. The League board has the ability to help communities harness the positive aspects of sports and channel them in a coordinated way towards the pursuit of the MDGs.
Whereby Sports will be a sustainable human development, which recognizes that development is more than economic growth. Development is a process of enlarging people’s choices and increasing the opportunities available to all members of the society.
Based on the principles of inclusion, equity and sustainability, emphasis is on the importance of increasing opportunities for the current generation as well as generations to come.
The basic human capabilities that are necessary for this are to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for the players decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community. Sports can directly help build these capabilities.
Participation in sports has significant physical benefits, contributing to people’s ability to lead long and healthy lives, improving well-being, extending life expectancy and reducing the likelihood of several major noncommunicable diseases, particularly heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
Sports also provide psychosocial benefits, such as fostering social integration and teaching coping mechanisms, as well as psychological benefits, such as reducing depression and improving concentration.
Sports further build human capabilities by increasing knowledge and contributing to education. Incorporating physical education into the school curriculum and providing opportunities for recreation improves a child’s ability to learn, with evidence indicating that it also increases attendance and overall achievement.
Sports also educate people about the body, raising awareness and respect for their bodies and those of others, critical for healthy living and the prevention of diseases.
Sports are also the key components of social life, directly engaging communities. They bring people together in a fun and participatory way. A particular sport helps create social relationships, build connections and improve communication between individuals and groups. Sport also mobilizes volunteers and promotes active community involvement, helping to build social capital and strengthen the social fabric.
So, why not improve the security standard at the games whereby families will fill the stadium stands, to enable them enjoy the fun game called soccer.
We all can also help to help the next generation. Some kids find their passion early in life, whether it’s a sport or a school subject or an artistic talent. Some may not find that special interest until adolescence or adulthood or even at all. But when you help your child find a sport he loves to play, you’ll also be helping him improve on his health and fitness, his confidence, and maybe even his performance at school.
Hope you enjoyed this edition? Join me again for another edition, till then, have a nice day and poke in some goals.
Please, do send your reactions to xmac4u@yahoo.com
Peter Ijeh,
ULc, BSs.