A Winning College Sample Essay About Sports

Sports and activities involving physical exertion and skill is important for the development of a child. Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international treaties states “Every child has the right to play and sport in a safe and healthy environment “. Sports help young ones to learn and develop skills and habits, vital for their growth and development. Many of these skills are difficult to develop in a classroom situation. Sports and games provide a practical, live and interesting demonstration on how to develop them.

The first thing sports teach young children is discipline. Every sports or game has its own set of rules and one has to follow them to play. Kids generally get to experience their first lesson in discipline while indulging in a sports activity. A simple task of standing in a straight line or running in a circle introduces a child to listening and obeying as well as controlling his movements.

The second important trait sports teach is the importance of teamwork. Team games need cooperation and coordination with other children. They learn the importance of helping as well as receiving help. They learn to exchange and work together. They learn to observe, read and anticipate other’s moves and minds. When they learn to work together, they also learn to respect each other.

Sports and games also allow the young ones responsibility. They learn from their mistakes and rectify it. More importantly, they learn to take responsibility of their actions as they realize that their individual performance will reflect on the team. Leadership is an extension of responsibility. Sports give the youngsters a chance to lead.

Sports make a child strong, both physically and mentally. It teaches them to accept defeat. Knowing defeat is a great experience. It teaches children to accept failures, along with success and prepare them for the upheavals of life.

A sport teaches a child the importance of practice and preparation. As he goes through preparation for competitions, he starts to understand the phrase ‘practice makes one perfect’. Practice also leads to determination and perfection. It improves perseverance in young children and they learn to value hard work.

The last but not least reason is health. Regular physical activities aid in natural development of the body builds fitness and stamina and bolsters the immune system. Sports also improve mental alertness, aptitude and intelligence of a child.

Thus sports and games are invaluable part of a child’s education. They should be looked up as more important and essential activity than 'something which keeps the child occupied’. They play a vital part in moulding a young mind and sow the seeds of values which will help him throughout his life.