THE BENEFITS OF SPORTS TO THE

NIGERIAN YOUTH

INTRODUCTION

a. Sports – def.

- physical activities

- organized

- laws, rules, regulations; IFs

b. Sports – clas.

• Leisure

• Competitive

c. Youth

- young; adolescence

- United Nations: 15 – 24years

- Nigeria; 18 – 35years

- characteristics

critical period

peer pressure

behavioural traits: alcohol; drugs;

aggression; sexual activity

reciprocal environmental

influence: social; economic; political;

activism

education: formal; non formal

endowment: strength; energy;

vigour

YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS IN NIGERIA

• Leisure: exercise; fun; health; jogging; aerobics; swimming; tennis; jump roping (skipping); chess; darts; Squash; Yoga pick – up team games

Competitive amateur professional athletics, badminton, chess, darts, judo, squash, swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, tennis, wrestling basketball, cricket, handball, football, hockey, volleyball

Estimate - 35%

Distribution : male higher than female

unorganized more than organised

organised: schools, churches

neighbourhoods, clubs

BENEFITS

General

general sense of well – being / self- esteem

healthy physical development

improved muscle and bone strength

improved mobility and balance

better weight control / reducing the risk of obesity

Prevention of diabetes

prevention of cardiovascular diseases eg hypertension, stroke

improvement of academic performance

social advancement (abstaining from alcohol, drugs, aggressive behaviour, violence)

Specific development life skills character building building leadership qualities

developing the spirit of sportsmanship

learning respect for authority

learning respect for rules and regulations

learning to work under pressure / perseverance

learning leadership

learning guidance and mentorship

earning increased opportunities for education

expanding opportunities for future careers after sports

increasing knowledge for the world and world events

Conclusion • Government should encourage greater participation of Nigerian youth

in sports

provision of more sports facilities in the country enforcing sports activities in school curriculum from elementary to university level

facilitate concessional admission of gifted sports men into universities polytechnics and education colleges

award of scholarships to outstanding men and women

introduction of work study programs for those not covered by

scholarships

Youth must avoid the disruption of their career

opportunities by sports

THANK YOU