Ten Reasons for Participating in Sport

Globally, the International Olympic Committee estimates that over 3 billion people participate in sports and physical activity. However, it is difficult to provide an exact number as participation in sports varies greatly depending on factors such as location, culture, age, and the definition of "sport." Despite the many people who take part in sport, it is also worth noting that according to a report by the World Health Organization, approximately 80% of the world's adolescent population (ages 11-17) is insufficiently physically active. So there is need to grow participation in sport and physical activity. 

Here are our top ten reasons for participating in sport:

• Health benefits: Regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, build strong muscles and bones, and help manage weight and chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Stress relief: Exercise can be an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, and can provide a healthy outlet for negative emotions.
• Social interaction: Participating in sports can provide opportunities to meet new people, make friends, and build a sense of community.
• Skill development: Sports require a range of physical and mental skills, and practicing them can improve coordination, agility, and decision-making abilities.
• Confidence building: As athletes improve their abilities and achieve goals, they can develop a sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their abilities.
• Fun and enjoyment: Participating in sports can be a fun and enjoyable way to stay active, challenge oneself, and have a good time with others.
• Teamwork and leadership: Team sports in particular can provide opportunities to develop skills such as communication, collaboration, and leadership.
• Competitive challenge: For some athletes, the challenge of competition and the drive to win can be a motivating factor in participating in sports.
• Personal growth: Engaging in sports can help individuals learn about themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, and their capacity for growth and development.
• Life lessons: Sports can teach valuable life lessons such as sportsmanship, perseverance, goal-setting, and time management, which can be applied to other areas of life.

With so many reasons to take part in sport it is not surprising that many famous sports stars have spoken about the benefits of sport. Here are a few examples:

• Serena Williams, tennis player: "Sports teaches you how to be a good loser, how to be gracious and how to be yourself. In many ways, it’s like learning about life."
• LeBron James, basketball player: "Basketball is my sanctuary. It's where I go to clear my mind, and it's been that way since I was a kid. It's also a way to challenge myself, to push my limits, and to see how far I can go."
• Mia Hamm, former soccer player: "I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion."

These are just a few examples of famous sports stars who have spoken about how participating in sports has helped them in various ways.

We hope these ten reason for participation in sport has encouraged you to think about playing. If you would like to start a new sport, or perhaps you are an experienced athlete yourself, and would like some support from an expert then we have a great selection of specialists on our site who can help. They can provide support with physical fitness, nutrition, injury prevention, sports massage, and sport psychology.