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February 23, 2009

Bull Riding

Filed under: Sports — admin @ 1:21 pm

I don’t know where you’re reading this from. If you’re reading from certain parts of our country, you will know about Professional Bull Riding. 2009 PBR tickets are available on this site. Whether you know about it or not, you should really check it out. It is one of the most organic sports in America and there aren’t nearly as many distractions during the sport as you might get in other sports. But that’s not talking about the best part: it’s just a lot of fun. These riders hold on tight to the bull’s harness and try to hold on for all they’re worth. It’s just an amazing time, and you can easily watch it for hours. It’s a completely different situation each time they go out! Check it out if you’ve never seen it!

February 20, 2009

Stoudemire

Filed under: Sports — admin @ 1:15 pm

Amare Stoudemire wasn’t traded before the deadline. We were really wondering why, because it certainly seemed like the Suns were looking for a change and that several teams were interested in him. Instead, it has been reported that he was operated on last week. He suffered a partly detatched retina last week during a game against the Clippers. Now we know why none of the owners were interested in taking him, because they would really get themselves in trouble if they took a player who wouldn’t be able to play for the rest of the season. Instead, the Suns will be paying a lot of money for him, even though he can’t play for awhile. Hopefully he will be doing better soon!

February 16, 2009

All Stars

Filed under: Sports — admin @ 10:04 am

The NBA All Star Game was played yesterday. The East played against the West and it was, as usual, an exciting game. But the West dominated. Just like it has most of the time the last few years. So wait. How much did they win by? Try 146-119. First off, just think about how ridiculous that is, in and of itself. More than 260 points scored. No overtime. It was a regular length game. Clearly, the teams were not chosen based on their defensive skill. It seems like they just scored again and again, without anyone really guarding. Especially the west. The Eastern Conference couldn’t find a way to guard the Kobe-O’Neal double trouble. They used to play together in LA and so it showed. So that is your All Star game for this year. Hope you enjoyed it!

February 13, 2009

Baseball

Filed under: Sports — admin @ 12:47 pm

When you look at baseball, you can see that there are two particular divisions that are going to be extra exciting and challenging this year. The AL East is going to be a three-power group this year, with the Red Sox, Yankees, and Rays sitting high up on baseball’s Olympus. The Yankees are much-improved over the offseason. The AL Central is also going to be a challenging group. Chicago has lost several players and is very young. Minnesota and Cleveland have gotten much better in the offseason and Kansas City may be a team to contend with, because they will probably be much healthier this year. Let’s watch these teams this year, it’s going to be fun.

February 9, 2009

Rod

Filed under: Sports — admin @ 1:07 pm

Alex Rodriguez is definitely in a bit of trouble now. An accusation was released on Saturday that the star player had tested positive for performance enhancing steroids earlier this decade. Today, he was interviewed with ESPN and has admitted using these drugs from 2001-3, while he still played with the Texas Rangers. Now, it’s not clear if he’s going to be in big trouble as a result, or if he’s just going to be looked upon very poorly for the next years. He’s trying to take a different tack on it from that of Barry Bonds, so perhaps he will be given mercy by the fans.

February 6, 2009

Pro

Filed under: Sports — admin @ 1:14 pm

The Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday in Hawaii. It’s always kind of fun to see the Pro Bowl. Unfortunately, it’s not always the best game, because it doesn’t count for anything except fun, and because the season is long over for some of these guys. The players are really some of the best and we know that it’s going to be kind of fun to watch them play. PLus, watching a bunch of the best players playing with each other is one of the most fun things that happen, because they aren’t playing just against each other, but cooperating for once. Watch the game if you get a chance!

February 2, 2009

Can Cardinals Shoot their feet?

Filed under: Sports — admin @ 1:26 pm

The Arizona Cardinals partly lost the game all by themselves yesterday. The Super Bowl game they were playing in was clearly one of the more difficult of the season, and they had to play close to perfect to win. But a lot of penalties, including several big yardage ones, were a major reason why they ended up losing the game. They also weren’t able to get great punting. For much of the game, their defense and offense played well. They stopped the Steelers a few times and were able to make some very clutch plays. But the 100 yard run at the end of the first half really messed up their efforts. And a few Pittsburgh drives took enough time off the clock to leave them in a tough spot.

January 30, 2009

Arena Cross

Filed under: Sports — admin @ 3:30 pm

Have you ever seen those guys on motorcycles jumping over little dirt hills racing each other? There is a certain group of people that really enjoy seeing these battles. It’s better than regular auto racing because it’s on dirt and it’s kind of like an obstacle course that will make you jump. They are a lot of fun to watch and we certainly recommend seeing one of their races. They jump, make hairpin turns and generally race around trying to keep from tipping and slipping. If you see one of these competitions in person, it can be a whole lot of fun! I notice that you can get ArenaCross racing tickets from this site.

January 26, 2009

Wow

Filed under: Sports — admin @ 11:01 am

The NHL All Star Game was played last night and it was a really high scoring affair. The East and West teams played to an 11-11 tie after 3 periods and overtime and then it took a shootout to end it. It was a fun game to watch. Sidney Crosby wasn’t in the game, because of an injury, but the captain of the Montreal Canadians was the best player in the game. He scored 3 goals in the regular game, and then scored the winning goal during the shootout part of the game. It’s unusual to have that many goals in a game, 23 in all, and it’s even better to see it in a game full of the best players in the sport. We really enjoyed watching it and if you missed it, you should make sure that you check out the highlights at the very least.

January 23, 2009

Patriots Complicated

Filed under: Sports — admin @ 12:50 pm

The Patriots’ world is getting a little complicated. Earlier, Tom Brady gave his first interview in several months, and said that his rehab is going well, and that he’s been a little sad to sit out all this time. He thinks that the team could have made it, but there were some big teams in their division this year, with difficult schedules all around. At the same time, Matt Cassel has made it clear that he’s definitely willing to return as the QB next year. Not that he is aiming to replace Brady. He said that he has the highest respect for Brady, whom he considers a mentor, and knows that there’s no quarterback competition. Just that he wants them to know that he’s able and willing.

WHEN SHOULD KIDS START SPORTS?

Sports for youth.

It's not easy to determine how early to start children in organized sports. Children of the same age vary considerably in their physical and psychological maturation, and there is no practical method of measuring maturity. Assuming the child has shown interest, five or six is the generally accepted earliest starting age for organized team sports. At the early ages participation should be limited to sports that involve a lot of physical activity and encourage the development of major motor muscles.

Children in grades 1 - 4 can benefit most from games that are modified to meet their needs and abilities. Play and fun are more important to this age group than highly structured sports that emphasize the outcome rather than the process. Parents and coaches are usually the ones concerned about winning and losing. When helping your child select a sport, keep balance in mind. Encourage your children to try many sports and activities when young and not to think of specializing or playing competitively until they reach middle school. Make sure a balance also occurs between adult organized activities and free playtime. Children need time to just be kids and to play with other kids without a set of rules or adult involvement.

The most important decisions to make, are which youth sports organizations and which coaches are best for your child. Make sure that you take the time to find out about the league, its leaders and coaches. Better yet, get involved and volunteer to coach. Participating in sports is a healthy way, both physically and socially, for your children to channel their youthful energy in a positive direction. Make sure your children's first experience encourages them to begin a lifelong interest in physical activities and good health.

There are many other options besides team sports available to a child who wants to participate in sports. Parents should also encourage their children to become involved in individual and lifetime sports such as bowling, golf, swimming, tennis, gymnastics and martial arts. You can find information about these sports by visiting the facilities or through the yellow pages of the phone book

Sport people and IOC Trophy

Gallery of IOC Trophy Winners - continue..

1998 - "Sport Ethics"

The Ministry of Education, which through its programme of physical education and sport, and the Malaysian Schools Sports Council competitions, inculcates the values of ethics, fairplay and the sporting spirit to schoolchildren. The Malaysian Schools Sports Coulcil has a very comprehensive competition programme at district. inter-district and inter-state level throughout the year for about 18 sports.

1999 - "Sport & Education"

University Putra Malaysia, in its efforts in promoting sport and education, has since 1995, implemented a Sport and Education Scheme for national athletes and provide them with oppurtunities to pursue tertiary education at the same time, while training and competing in high level sports championships and International Games. The scheme provides a more flexible entry qualifications for admission into UPM, with flexible timetables in lectures and examinations to be postponed if necessary so as the athletes commitment to sport is not comprimised.

The trophy was presented to Prof. Dr. Kamel Ariffin Mohd. Atan, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UPM, on behalf of the institution., by OCM President Tunku Imran.

2000 - "Sport & Universality"

For the year 2000 the IOC Trophy, titled "Sport & Universality", was awarded to Tan Sri Khir Johari as a prominent sporting figure in the Community and for his contributions to the universal promotion of Olympism and Sport. Tan Sri Khir Johari, the Deputy President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia since 1982, founded sepaktakraw, a popular competitive sport in this region, which is adapted from the original recreation sport of "sepak raga bulatan". The sport has now become a regular feature in the SEA and Asian Games and is now played in many parts of the World.

Olympic Door of the year 2000

This special trophy was commissioned by the IOC to mark the passage into the new millennium, and is intended for each NOCs head of State to demonstrate the entry of sport into the 21st century. As the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah is the head of state for the year 2000, the award was presented to His Majesty at his Istana on the 29th January 2000, by OCM President Tunku Imran

2001 - "Sport & Volunteers"

The 2001 is also declared as the "International Year of the Volunteers" by the United Nations and as the Olympic Movement is probably the largest volunteer movement in the world, the IOC has commissioned a special award "Sport and Volunteers" to be given to the most deserving volunteer for each NOC of the World. The deserving recipient for the IOC trophy "Sport and Volunteers" was deemed to be Dato' Sieh Kok Chi, Secretary General for the Olympic Council of Malaysia. Dato' Sieh has been serving the Council selflessly and avidly for over 30 years.

2002 - "Sport & Wellbeing"

Physical Education, Sports Science, and Fitness Association Malaysia which was established since 1962, with the objective of providing leadership for the progressive advancement of physical education, sport, fitness and recreation in Malaysia. Iinitiated with the Government of Malaysia, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the "Moving Together Malaysia" Project. As a Nation Building Project, active lifestyle programmes and activities have been oraganised. Although, the project has since ended, it has increased the awareness of the Malaysian society at large on health and well-being

2003 - "Sporting Excellence"

The 2003 IOC Trophy “Sporting Excellence” was awarded to the Honourable Dato’ Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia, on 8th October 2003, for his achievements in the following: - promoted excellence in Malaysian sports, such as the 2001 SEA Games, where Malaysia, for the first time in the history of the SEAP/SEA Games finished first in the overall medal tally, with a record of 111 gold medals. - motivated the Malaysian Contingents to the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games and the Busan 2002 Asian Games, to achieve their best results in Games held outside Malaysia, since the sixties. - motivated athletes in sports such as Badminton, Men’s Hockey, Karate-Do, Squash, Taekwondo, Tenpin Bowling, Wushu, etc., to achieve excellent results in their respective international and world championships. - encouraged and motivated Mohd Hafiz Hashim to win the All- England Badminton Men’s Singles title in 2003, after a lapse of 37 years, - launched a ‘Sponsorship for Excellence’ Programme in 2003, where corporate sponsors were signed up for sports, which have been identified as having the potential to achieve world class. Six such sponsors, amounting to over US$1.5 million, for the next four years have been signed up for the sports of Aquatics, Karate Do, Netball, Squash, Taekwondo and Tenpin Bowling. - Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 21st SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur from 8th to 17th September 2001, and supported the 10th Men’s Hockey World Cup which was held in Kuala Lumpur from 24th February to 9th March 2003 and the 15th World Tenpin Bowling Championships which was held in Subang Jaya from 8th to 18th September 2003.

2004 - "Sport & Media"

The Olympic Council of Malaysia awarded the 2004 IOC Trophy ‘Sport and Media’ to the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) for its continuous strong support and contributions to the promotion of sports values and sport development in Malaysia, since its formation in 1971. The Sportswriters Association of Malaysia was registered under the Registrar of Societies Malaysia in 1971, as the National Organization for all Malaysian sports journalists, from the print and electronic media. It has about 250 members, including sports writers, sports commentators, sports photographers, sports publishers, etc. It is recognized by the International Sport Press Association (AIPS) and the Asian Sport Press Union (ASPU).

2005 - "Sport and Fairplay"

The 2005 trophy is under the theme “Sport and Fairplay”, and is to be awarded to a person or organization in recognition of the person’s or organization’s promotion and contribution towards sport and fairplay in Malaysia. The Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) has been awarded the 2005 IOC Trophy “Sport and Fairplay”, for agreeing, in 2004, to the conditions set by the SEA Games Federation and the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee, to only enter its second team players for the 23rd SEA Games Squash Competition, in order to make the Squash competition more opened and balanced. Although there was a risk that SRAM may not win the gold medals in the Squash competitions in the 23rd SEA Games, nevertheless, the Association was of the opinion that having Squash included in the 23rd SEA Games programme is more important, for the development and the promotion of Squash in the SEA Games.

Y.Bhg. Dato’ A. Sani Karim, President of Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM), receiving the 2005 IOC Trophy from YAM Tunku Tan Sri Imran ibni Tuanku Ja’afar, President of OCM

2006 - "Sports and the Community"

The IOC Trophy 2006 “Sport and the Community” is the theme of the IOC Trophy 2006. It is to be presented to a person or organization for work carried out in promoting and assisting the development of sport within the community and its commitment to Sport and the Community, nationally or world-wide.

The Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) unanimously selected Subang Jaya state assemblyman, Dato’ Lee Hwa Beng as the winner of the 2006 IOC Trophy “Sport and the Community”.

Dato’ Lee said he was proud to be chosen by OCM as the winner of the Trophy. “It is indeed motivating and encouraging. The Trophy also confirms that my community programmes initiated in Subang Jaya reached the masses. I am looking forward to initiate more programmes in Subang Jaya. I also share the view that sports is an excellent tool to bring people from all walks of life together. People of different races and culture can blend in to organize and participate in sports activities.

The events associated with Dato’ Lee include the PJ Half Marathon, Subang Jaya 10km Run, Adun Subang Jaya Basketball league, Subang Jaya Football Community league and Setia Badminton Academy.

He was the former president of the Selangor Basketball Association (SBA from 1999 to 2004). Currently Lee is the Chairman of the Petaling Basketball Association, He has raised funds to build 16 Basketball courts for the Subang Jaya community.

He was the prime mover in establishing the Setia Badminton Academy to groom young badminton players. He is the patron of Kelab Hoki Ais Saga (KHAS) and contributed to the Adun Ice Hockey League. He was the organizing chairman of the World Ice Hockey 5’s held at Sunway Pyramid Ice Rink in April 2006.

Dato’ Lee Hwa Beng, State Assembly Member of Subang Jaya, has initiated, supported and organized many community sports activities including the following.

•PJ Half Marathon (Organizing Chairman for 9 years until 1995),
•Subang Jaya 10 K Run,
•started and donated the ADUN Subang Jaya Cup for a Basketball League and for a Futsal League, for youths Under 18 years living in Subang Jaya, Subang Jaya
•support the Subang Jaya Football Community League,
•Organizing Chairman of the World 5 Ice Hockey Competition
•Initiated many community sports facilities in Subang Jaya.

Sport people and IOC Trophy

Gallery of IOC Trophy Winners

1987 - "Sport and Study"

The first Malaysian to win an IOC Trophy was Ms. Nurul Huda Abdullah in 1987. The trophy was titled "Sport and Study". Nurul combined excellence in sport and study. She was a hardworking student who has always acheived good results throughout her school career.

Sporting Background

- Winner of Malaysia's Sportswoman of the year for the year 1985 and 1986

- Holds Malaysian Open Records in Swimming in 10 individual events out of 12 (as at 5/3/1987)

- Had faster times than the Malaysian Open records for Men in 2 events (as at 5/3/1987)

- Won 7 Gold & 1 Silver in the 13th SEA Games Bangkok 1985, and in the process broke 6 SEA Games records

- Won 2 Silver and 2 Bronze medals in 10th Asian Games 1986 Seoul

- First woman swimmer in SEA to break the 5 minute mark for the 400m Individual Medley

- First woman swimmer in SEA to break the 60 seconds mark for the 100m Freestyle

1993 - "Sport and the Environment"

Sport & the Environment trophy was awarded to YA Bhg. Datin Seri Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd. Ali, Patron of BAM. Dr. Siti has contributed much towards the promotion and development of sport and the protection of the environment in Malaysia. In particular, she established a Badminton foundation and a Badminton Academy as well as the construction of 1,000 badminton courts throughout the country for grass-root development of Badminton..

1994 - IOC Centennial Trophy

The IOC celebrated their centenary in 1994 with IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch calling on all national Olympic Committees to use their strength for the benefit of peace and international understanding. The Centennial Trophy presented to Thong Poh Nyen for his dedication to the Olympic movement in Malaysia. Poh Nyen then in turn handed the award as a momento to the OCM. Poh Nyen, a founder member of OCM took over as secretary in 1961 and served for three decades before stepping down in 1992. He is also among the handful of officials in the region to establish the SEA Games.

Thong Poh Nyen receiving the IOC Trophy from Sieh Kok Chi

1995 - "Olympic Movement Unity"

The trophy was awarded to YAB Dato' Abdul Ghani Othman former Minister of Youth and Sports (from 1993 to 1995). The Hon. Abdul Ghani Othman introduced the Sports Partnership Programme between the Corporate sector and the National Sports Associations, whereby selected Corporations were paired off with individual NSAs as partners. This Programme had the effect of uniting not only the Corporate Sector with NSAs, but schools and Government agencies, the State and National Organisations and the Olympic Council of Malaysia into one cohesive force, all moving with a common goal towards better participation and better performance in sport.

1996 - IOC Centennial Olympic Games

Awarded to Tan Sri Hamzah bin Haji Abu Samah, the Life President of OCM for his dedicated service to the Council and his contribution towards the development of sports and the Olympic Movement in Malaysia. In 1976, Tan Sri Hamzah was el;ected President of the OCM and has held the post without break. His experience in Government and volunteer sports bodies led him to conceive the establishment of the National Sports Council to assist NSAs with financial grants for training of athletes and expertise in the areas of sports science and medicine.

In 1978 Tan Sri Hamzah was invited to join the IOC, serving as a member of the IOC Judicial Commission and Cultural Commission. For his work, he has been awarded the SEA Games Federation Award of Merit, the OCA Award of Merit and the Association of National Olympic Committee Merit Award.

1997 - "Sport for All"

The Ministry of Youth & Sports received the 'Sport for All' Trophy for its encouragement to Malaysians of all age groups to practise an active and healthy way of life through the 'Sport for All' concept and the 'Active Malaysia' strategy. Through its Sports Division, the Ministry has implemented many Sports for All programmes. Dato' Ahmad Bakri Shabdin, Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth & Sports, received the trophy on behalf of the Ministry.

Policy and Strategic Planning Division

General Information.

Introduction The Policy and Strategic Planning Division is one of the many divisions under the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The division was originally referred to as the Policy Research and Development Division but was later changed to the Policy Planning and Coordination Division following a restructure in September 2004. Subsequently in July 2007, the division was renamed again due to another restructure. The division until today remains as the Policy and Strategic Planning Division. Objective To plan, coordinate, administer and supervise the implementation of strategic policies based on the objectives of the Ministry’s programs and activities at national and international level. Vision To ensure the implementation of policies involving youth and sports development by all parties that includes government agencies, private sectors, non-governmental organizations and individuals. Mission To increase the understanding and awareness of the public on policies related to youth and sports development. To revise youth and sports development policies every 10 years. To strengthen smart partnerships with relevant ministries, private sectors and non-governmental organizations. Role Preparation and coordination of Cabinet papers. Coordination of Parliament questions and answers pertaining to the Ministry. Secretariat for the Cabinet Committee on Sports Development. Secretariat for the Ministry of Youth and Sports Strategic Planning Meeting. Secretariat of the Coordinating Committee for the Development Programs on Youth and Sports. Secretariat for internal Management Meeting and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Policy Committee Meeting. Preparation and coordination of feedbacks on decisions resulting from Meetings of Cabinet Ministers, Meetings of Secretary Generals and Heads of Service, Meetings of Chief Ministers and Head Ministers, Meetings of the Council of Rulers. Overlook and evaluate the effectiveness of youth and sports programs carried out by the Ministry. Coordinate the drafting of policies for long term plans involving youth and sports development. Secretariat for Post Cabinet Meeting. Coordination of international affairs involving the Ministry. Review staff roles and functions. Strategy To prepare the Division’s action plans at the beginning of each year. To network with other divisions and agencies (whether internal or external) in order to carry out the objectives more effectively. To overlook the implementation of youth and sports development programs/activities by acknowledging relevant changes in policy. To form relevant committees to ensure that programs are carried out in accordance to the policy. To hold scheduled meetings for coordination of response to parliament questions, preparation of cabinet papers and preparations prior to the cabinet committee for sports development meeting. To overlook the preparations of answers to parliament questions to ensure that they are prepared within the required time frame. To prepare relevant formats for feedbacks on decisions of relevant meetings. To initiate MOU with potential parties whether within the country or with other countries in the areas of youth and sports development. Client Charter OUR PRIORITY IS IN COMMITTING TO THE DELIVERY OF HONEST, EFFICIENT, FAST, PRECISE AND FRIENDLY SERVICE. WE VOW TO Ensure that written parliament answers are submitted to the Minister and Deputy Minister 3 days before the session date. Coordinate the preparation of Cabinet papers by following through the required procedures before submitting the final drafts to the Cabinet Secretariat at PM’s Department within the required timeframe. Prepare and submit feedbacks on decisions of Cabinet Meetings, Meetings of Secretary Generals, Meetings of the Council of Rulers, and Meetings of Chief Ministers. Ensure that all policies made by the Ministry of Youth and Sports is followed and implemented by all divisions and agencies under the Ministry. Hold the Coordination Meeting for Youth and Sports Development Programs four times a year and distribute minutes to the meeting within four weeks from the date of the meeting. Hold the Cabinet Meeting for Sports Development that is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, four times a year and distribute minutes to the meeting within four weeks from the date of the meeting.
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SUB DIVISION / BRANCH
This division consists of four branches as follows: Policy Branch This branch performs the following functions: Plan and coordinate policy drafting in all field related to the Ministry’s role in youth and sports development. Manage the implementation of all policies related to youth and sports development at Ministry level. Coordinate the implementation of youth and sports policies between relevant government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private sectors. Develop relevant youth and sports policies according to current requirements. Strategic Planning Branch This branch performs the following functions: Identify issues and problems arising from policies implemented on development strategies or youth and sports programs in terms of its impact towards targeted groups. Prepare proposal paper on reevaluation of the Ministry’s policies, strategies and programs. Coordinate, supervise and evaluate the efficiency of the Ministry’s programs, policies and strategies. Assist the Ministry’s various divisions, agencies and departments in coming up with strategies on program evaluation. Implement impact studies for youth and sports development programs through the Malaysian Institute of Youth Development Research. Implement and assist in strategic planning which involves the reengineering of divisions/departments/agencies under the Ministry. Coordination Branch This branch performs the following functions Coordinate Parliament questions and answers pertaining to the Ministry. Coordinate the preparation of Cabinet Papers. Secretariat for the Ministry’s weekly Management Meeting and Post-Cabinet Meeting. Coordinate matters related to youth and sports policies. Manage administrative matters concerning the division. International Branch This branch performs the following functions: Coordinate the implementation of youth and sports policies between government agencies, private sectors and non-governmental organizations abroad. Coordinate matters related to bilateral relations involving youth and sports issues. Attend Joint Committee Meetings between Malaysia and other countries within the country or abroad. Coordinate inputs from conventions held at international level. Coordinate technical co operations at international level. Coordinate matters involving relationship with private sectors/youth bodies/youth societies within the country and abroad.

Relationship between sports and human

Benefits of Playing Sports

Playing sports is one of the favorite activities of most of us. Apart from being a fun activity, sports offer several health benefits, thus contributing to one's physical and mental well-being. Sports play a vital role in the enhancement of one's personality by being a source of exercise and entertainment. Let us look at the benefits of playing sports.

Sports serve as an excellent physical exercise. Those who play sports have a more positive body image than those who do not. Playing sports often involves physical activities like running, jumping and stretching and moreover a constructive expenditure of energy. Playing sports since an early age strengthens the bones and muscles and tones one’s body. Thus sports provide the body with a complete exercise.

Playing sports improves the Math skills in children. It develops leadership qualities and fosters a team spirit in them. Sports involve competition; they involve winning and losing. This exposes the players to both the aspects of life, successes and failures. Sports build a competitive spirit in children and teach them to be participative irrespective of whether the participation concludes in a victory or a defeat. Playing sports teaches a person to accept both successes and failures in a positive spirit. The most important benefit of playing sports is the sportsman spirit. Playing sports results in the development of a sportive nature, which is helpful throughout one’s life.

Playing sports is very beneficial for the development of social skills in a person. Sports teach a person to interact with people, act as a team. They foster collective thinking and develop planning skills in children. Sports build confidence in children and give them a sense of accomplishment. Sports thus play a vital role in one's social well-being. Playing sports requires the children to plan thoughtfully. They need to device the best ways to score goals, the best strategies to win and plan carefully towards victory. Statistics show that kids involved in sports activities fare well in academics and their school and college activities. A constructive expenditure of energy that sports bring out is very helpful in keeping a person happy. Exercise generates happiness molecules in a person’s body, thus contributing to his/her mental well-being.

Sports generate a positive energy. Playing sports serves as an excellent exercise, which has a wide variety of health benefits. It reduces blood sugar level and reduces the risk of blood cholesterol. Playing sports decreases the chances of hypertension and several other stress related disorders. Research has revealed that people who play sports regularly can deal with stresses and strains in life in a better manner. Depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders are less probable in people who indulge in sport activities. Regular exercise helps increase the overall quality of life. Playing sports acts as a beautiful blend of recreation and physical activity. It is a combination of both enjoyment and exercise.

Characteristics of physical sports

Sports Activity.


Sport is an activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. Sports commonly refer to activities where the physical capabilities of the competitor are the sole or primary determiner of the outcome (winning or losing), but the term is also used to include activities such as mind sports (a common name for some card games and board games with little to no element of chance) and motor sports where mental acuity or equipment quality are major factors. Sport is commonly defined as an organized, competitive and skillful physical activity requiring commitment and fair play. Sports differ from games based on levels of organization and profit (not always monetary). Accurate records are kept and updated, while failures and accomplishments are widely announced in sport news.

In British English, sporting activities are commonly denoted by the collective noun "sport". In American English, "sports" is the term used for more than one specific sport. For example, "football and swimming are my favorite sports", is more natural sounding to an American than "I enjoy sport".

The term is sometimes extended to encompass all competitive activities in which offense and defense are played, regardless of the level of physical activity. Both games of skill and motor sport exhibit many of the characteristics of physical sports, such as skill, sportsmanship, and at the highest levels, even professional sponsorship associated with physical sports. Air sports, billiards, bridge, chess, motorcycle racing, and powerboating are all recognized as sports by the International Olympic Committee with their world governing bodies represented in the Association of the IOC Recognised International Sports Federations.[1]
Sports that are subjectively judged are distinct from other judged activities such as beauty pageants and bodybuilding shows because an activity is being evaluated, rather than the physical attributes of the contestant.

Facts you needs to Know about Sports.

Why Sports and Recreation?

We believe that sport and recreation opportunities are important to the quality of life for individuals and communities within the Borough of Eastleigh.

Sport has the ability to contribute to the wider social issues such as:

Health Benefits
Active Lifestyles
Social Inclusion
Community Safety
Economic
Sustainability

Health Benefits
Participation in sport and an active lifestyle have long been associated with benefits to health. This relationship seems obvious and is now backed by a strong body of research evidence. This evidence suggests that significant health gains are not limited to vigorous physical activity but may also be achieved through frequent moderate levels of physical activity such as cycling, brisk walking or swimming.

Perhaps the biggest selling factor is that physical inactivity costs lives. It is a cause of some of the biggest killers in the UK - heart disease, diabetes and bowel cancer - as well as a range of other health problems from depression to osteoporosis.

One of the most important health problems associated with physical inactivity is obesity. The UK is experiencing an epidemic of overweight and obesity. About one adult in five is obese, a proportion which has nearly trebled over the past 20 years. Our obsession with labour saving devices, which reduce the need for physical activity, also plays a part in contributing to a national trend. This ultimately costs the NHS billions of pounds to treat each year.


Active Lifestyles


We work in partnership with local Health Agencies and DC Leisure to provide an exercise referral scheme based at Fleming Park Leisure Centre, which is capable of screening at least 40 patients a month.

As part of this scheme, we offer referred patients a reduced rate programme of physical activity including swimming, aqua therapy, gym sessions, and cardiac rehabilitation. Some of these are based at Hamble and Wildern Schools.

'Healthwalks' are offered across the Borough through the employment of a Walks Co-ordinator and funding from the New Opportunities Fund.

We involve specific groups of the population in regular physical activities such as people with disabilities, mental health patients and ethnic minority groups.

We provide a regular flow of information on the Active Lifestyle Service to GP's, health related professionals, nurses and Borough Councillors


Social Inclusion
"Sport has the power to unite people in a way little else can. Sport can create hope where there was once only despair. It breaks down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of discrimination. Sport speaks to people in a language everyone can understand." - Nelson Mandela

The potential for sport and recreation to change lives is well documented through much experiential evidence. Its capacity to dispel ignorance, challenge prejudice and allow individuals to realise their full potential is huge.

Where initiatives have been targeted within socially deprived areas, the positive outcomes reported include an increase in confidence, self-esteem, trust and self-reliance. Similar outcomes are also achieved where initiatives target people with either a physical, learning or sensory disability, or those from under represented ethnic groups.

Community Safety
Levels of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity among young people are a major problem for society as a whole. The causes of crime and disaffection among young people are complex and it would be naive to think that sport alone can reduce the levels of youth crime in 'hot spot' areas.

Over the last 15 years however, sports, outdoor pursuits and constructive leisure activities have been a well established feature of initiatives whose aim is to divert offenders and young people at risk away from crime.

Although there is no hard scientific evidence of a direct causal relationship between involvement in sport and reductions in criminal activity, there is growing experiential evidence that sport can play an influential role. Indirectly sport can have an impact by providing challenge and adventure, whilst also giving a sense of purpose to young people's lives. Sport delivered in a sound ethical framework can engender self-respect, self-esteem, confidence and leadership abilities.

Economic
Sport can often mean big business. Where investment in large-scale regional sports facilities has been made, not only has this enhanced the physical fabric of communities, but the impact has also stimulated the economy and improved the area's image with outside investors and tourists.

In addition to the economic regeneration benefits that can flow from investment in sport, substantial savings can be made in the economy from the health gains associated with increased levels of physical activity. Research evidence suggests that promoting physical activity for employees makes good business sense.

Sustainability
Playing fields, parks, urban green spaces, play areas, countryside sites, rivers/lakes, allotments, cycle ways and walking routes, are extremely valuable resources on which local communities rely not only to break up the urban built environment, but to offer areas for informal recreation. For example: kickabout, play running, walking, cycling and even tending an allotment. They have the ability to breath life into densely populated urban areas.

Recent policy guidance recognises the need to incorporate a variety of land uses within new developments and views recreational facilities as an integral part of creating sustainable communities and reducing the reliance on car travel.