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Additional benefits available through sport
A recent study in Iran asked a group of youth sportspeople to agree or disagree with the following statement: ?I usually share my private problems with my coach?
Another study in Zambia asked of a similar group of young sportspeople: ?If I could pick one out of these coaches, I would choose:?
The above appears to be especially important for those children who are orphans or from dysfunctional families.
As can be seen from these studies, the level of sporting expertise of the coach is secondary to their ability to assist in other areas. Young people playing sport usually have a special and trusting relationship with their coaches and sports activity leaders, often unlike other adults. This puts coaches and sports activity leaders in a good position to discuss potentially sensitive issues. And in an era when families are disjointed, parents have less time for their children due to the pressures of work or, more relevant, survival, sports coaches have a role like never before. They are someone who is trusted, looked up to and learnt from.
As a result, sport programs can tackle such sensitive topics that are often still hushed up or taboo in most societies, families and even schools, or simply not discussed. A Zambian study found that adults are reluctant to share information about sex with adolescents, since discussing sex and related matters with ?children? was perceived as ?untraditional?. Sport programs can deliver information about health, body functioning, diseases and hygiene potentially far more effectively than more traditional formal classroom education.
"The sports community is a key partner in reaching out to young men and women, whether in their village or town, or globally."
Dr Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS
Other studies amongst young sportspeople have shown the following:
- Gender issues: When adolescent girls participate in sport they develop a sense of ownership and respect for their bodies, encouraging them to delay sexual activity.
- Safe & supportive environment: Given the informal, social and fun nature of sport and play, the playing field provides a secure environment where children can openly discuss issues of concern. In particular, this is especially effective in the care and support of orphans and other vulnerable children in that sport not only provides structure and connections with others, it also provides a space for expression and a chance to play.
- Millennium Development Goals: A comprehensive report from the UN, "Sport as a Tool for Development and Peace", concluded that sport - from play and physical activity to organized and competitive sport - is a powerful and cost-effective way to advance the Millennium Development Goals.