IMPACTS OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES ON PSYCHO-PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG ATHLETES

Abstract

Engaging in sports activities is far more important that any other activity of young age because of the impact it has on young individuals, on the development of their personality, the self-awareness and place in the society, on the establishment of their team and leadership potential. For children and young people, sports are an exceptional educational and socializing activity, which can considerably enrich their growing up period and prepare them for their adult roles and responsibilities. The research has shown that taking active part in sports can be very beneficial and that it fosters responsible social behavior, better school performance, acquisition of moral values and healthy habits. Sport gives children and young people opportunity to learn. It is the way to practice their life. Participation in sports, in particular in team sports, teaches the young people about team work, leadership, self-discipline, responsibility, tolerance, it develops their problem solving skills, teaches them how to be persistent, to respect authority, to develop work habits, it strengthens their character, self-esteem and self-confidence.

Games and sports are anthropological constants of childhood and youth. Children and young people like sports for the simple fact that it is sports, for the game and the excitement resulting from it, for the challenge of competition, for the pleasure of taking part and for the joy of victory and the sadness of defeat. Playing games offers children the stimulus and the physical activity their brain needs for future learning. It is by playing that children explore, invent and create. They develop social skills and ways of thinking, they learn how to handle their feelings, to improve their physical capabilities and to discover their own selves and their own capacities. Children’s game provides a solid basis for lifelong learning.

Through playing, recreation and sports, children and young people learn how to reason and think critically while finding solutions for problems. They improve their own spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play, they learn team work, self-discipline, trust, respect of others, leadership and problem solving skills. In order for children to become as responsible and caring adults, these activities have predominant significance. They help young people face challenges and prepare them to take over leadership roles in their communities. Games with rules and inevitable team work have an important role in school childrens life. They help them to develop their own physical skills and practice cooperation, mutual understanding and logical thinking. They teach them how to shift roles between members of their own team, how to share, how to respect their peers while observing the rules.