Benefits of Participation in Sport to the Youth

Abstract

Boosting participation in sport can generate variety of profound and positive impact on socioeconomic and health benefits on individual, community and wider society. Regardless of age groups, being physically active can help individuals enjoy physical fitness towards wellness and live healthier lives. This paper therefore, highlighted the concept of sport, characteristics and its types. It focused on the forms of sport programmes and the benefits of sport participation among youth. Issues related to the threats against active sport participation among youth and strategies for advancing the level of sport technology development in African continent were discussed. Towards the benefits of effective participation in sports among the youth, it was therefore, recommended that sport personnel including physical education teachers must be qualified, competent, and seasoned as prerequisites for a successful sport programme. The various post-primary schools and tertiary institutions should survey and explore other feasible sources of raising funds from sport ministries, philanthropists, voluntary agencies, and multinational companies to supplement the students' sports fees; and adequate good quality sport facility, durable equipment and supplies should be provided with incentives to motivate athletes.