For Kids
The sports experience can also have a positive effect on a child’s emotional and mental health,2 as it offers fulfilment and provides a core group of people with whom the child can relate and interact. When a child joins a team, he or she automatically becomes a part of an in-group, forming a special bond with teammates as they undergo the rigours of physically challenging and emotionally taxing training. Nevertheless, this nurtures self-discipline and self-motivation. When playing sports, children are encouraged to communicate, give positive feedback, and set and achieve goals, which boosts self-esteem. Though performance anxiety can be a problem for some athletes, when they do overcome it, stage fright can disappear and lead to a skill such as public speaking. In sports, sometimes there are disappointments and frustrations such as losing a game or missing a shot, but maintaining self-control in interacting with others, and respecting both authority and opponents show true sportsmanship. As such, true sportspersons should have good values which they seek to honour both on and off the field.
SPORTS AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH