Importance of Sports in Academic Development

Below are my remarks during launch of National 30 km Road Baton Relay at Accra Sports Stadium, Accra on 13th May 2016. The Baton Relay was launched by Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports (Republic of Ghana), Hon. Vincent Oppong Asamoah (on my right).

Athletics have always been an essential component of a liberal education. Schools that offer more sports and field more successful teams produce higher test scores and graduation rates, research shows.

There is a relatively consistent body of research showing that students who participate in athletics tend to fare significantly better both in school and in later life. Participating in sports, like playing in the school band or competing on the debate team, are cognitively and organizationally demanding activities that help convey self-discipline and leadership skills. This is especially true for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In addition, it has also been found that schools that offer more sports and field more successful teams produce higher test scores and graduation rates. So, there is no reason to believe that schools that emphasize sports do so at the expense of other educational goals.

Academic learning and sports education are the complements of each other. They resemble the two sides of the same coin. If the sports education is carried out accompany with the academic curriculum, the over-all personality of the student are increased to greater extent. They get the qualities of the leadership, sharing, team spirit and tolerance from the sports. Sports education not only teaches the students to maintain the physical stamina, but also the habit of obedience, discipline, the determination to win, will power, etc. The power of reasoning, mental development, vocational specialization comes from the academics to the students. Therefore sports education along with the academics result in the mental, moral and physical development of the students.

The evidence above suggests students benefit from schools that offer a variety of enriching activities, including sports.

As an education administrator, i always support activities that promote sports among all section of students. Above points justifies our decision to support this year’s road baton relay and we wish best luck all participants and organizers. I am sure that this year’s event will also spread the message of peace and unity within the country.