conclusion of games and sports essay

Essay on Importance of Games and Sports: 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Words

Today we are providing 5 different types and formats of Essay on the Importance of Games and Sports for you. This is a really important topic for school and college students. Even the graduation level students can use these essays for them. You will find a suitable one for you.

In This Blog We Will Discuss

Short Essay on Importance of Games and Sports: 200 Words for Class 1, 2, 3

Sports and games are really important in human life. We should play games and sports regularly to build better physical and mental health. It helps us in several ways to get a better body. Especially the students should play more and more games and sports. Sports increase stamina and self-confidence. When you are playing a competitive game, you will learn lots of things in real. That will help you to grow your self-confidence. At the same time, your body will get lots of stamina. Both physical fitness and mental health become better by playing games. It teaches you lots of rules that help you to become a more disciplined person in the future. Games like chess are really effective to increase your mental health. Sometimes sports like football or rugby could be a bit dangerous for unprofessional players. But if everyone is friendly, then there is not a problem. Anybody should play football or games like this without proper training because that could fall you in an injury. Overall sports and games are really important in our life. We should play and let our kids play sports regularly.    

Essay on Importance of Games and Sports: 300 Words for Class 4, 5

Introduction: Sports are really important for the youth. An entire young generation should be involved with sports and games. There are lots of advantages to that. In this essay, we will talk about sports and games’ importance in our regular life. Sports and games help people to grow physically and mentally faster. Even it helps to get interesting characteristics. And several games and sports competition makes people really competitive that are important for regular life.  

Teamwork: Sports are the best option to learn teamwork. We know it’s easy to achieve something with a good team. Teamwork is not easy always if you don’t have the proper knowledge to handle your team. If you play sports regularly, you have to be with a team. You will get a proper guide from the leader and once you become the leader, you need to guide them properly. In that process, you will learn how a team works and it will be great for your future teamwork. If a team can perform properly together, then anything is possible.  

Release Stress: Stress could be a reason for suicide in some cases. We all look for a way to release stress. Sport is an amazing way to release stress. When you are playing a game, your complete concentration will be on the game. In that case, you will forget other things that were happening with you. That will help you to get out of hard times.  

Conclusion: We all need to get some time for sports from our busy schedule because it’s important for our physical and mental health both. And it teaches us so many real things. So from now, we should let our kids play more.    

Importance of Games and Sports Essay: 400 Words for Class 6, 7, 8

Introduction: Games and sports are part and parcel of our regular life. We should play more sports every day to keep ourselves healthy and fit. There are lots of researches and experts said that playing sports could be a really great option to be fit and keep our heart and organs healthy. Participating in sports reduces your stress and make your mood better. It is the best option to become healthy, fit, improves sleeps and improves self-confidence.  

Sports to Keep You Fit: Fitness is important in our life. If you don’t remain fit and healthy, your normal life will be hampered. Most of the time, you don’t need to do extra exercise if you are a regular sports lover.  

Sports for Kids: Kids should play regularly, first of all, it improves their immune system. It is a little bit hard to control the kids and their health. When a kid sleeps properly, it makes him fit for the next day. We need to let our kids play outside. It is a way of entertainment for them too.  

Improving Mental Strength: It is proved by the experts that sports can make your inner power stronger. It is important for mental growth too. The brain of a sportsman become so much fast and they become clever in their regular life. When the kids play games regularly, they learn several tricks to survive and it helps them to be mature in real life.  

Sports as Profession: There are lots of sportsmen we see and we follow as influencers and celebrities. All of them came from a really simple family. They did hard work and they understood their talent. As like this, there are lots of students are really good at cricket or football. The school should pick them and arrange special training for them. These students are future Virat Kohli or MS Dhoni. If you look back, all these legends came from the really normal area and normal family. Their parents and they cared about their talent. Even ordinary students also should get the opportunity to practice and make them strong physically. Physical strength is important for everyone. Without enough physical strength, you won’t be able to perform better in your life.  

Conclusion: As you can understand, the importance of sports and games is very much in our life.  We should be involved in sports.    

Essay on Importance of Games and Sports: 500 Words for Class 9, 10

Introduction: Sports and games are a really important part of our life. It helps us to become strong physically and mentally. A good sportsman is a good human too. A sport teaches us so many real-life lessons that help us to understand the meaning of life. There is a huge importance of games and sports for students, ordinary people and almost everyone.  

Importance of Sports in Life: There are so many benefits of sports in life. First of all, let’s consider the physical side. It is proved that regular sportsperson has a good heart. That’s means, if you play games and sports regularly, it will improve your heart condition. Doctors say that sport is a strong option to prevent heart diseases. You won’t find any people facing heart problem who is a regular player in cricket, football or another game. It makes our physics really strong, the blood vessels become cleaner. Even you can consider this as your regular exercise too. It reduces fats and cholesterol from the body that makes people really healthy. Overall sport is really important for good health. If you want to learn discipline, you can learn it from sports. Because there are some specific rules and regulations that you must need to follow in every game. You can’t commit any action out of rules. If you are good in a specific sport, that could be your career too. Lots of people are getting connected with sports permanently and there is a bright career ahead. Even they are making a fair amount of money with their skill and entertaining characteristics.  

Never Give Up Mentality: Sports build a never give up mentality in your brain. You will face lots of a hard time and under pressure moments in the game. If you can overcome these moments and get a win, you will gain lots of self-confidence. That will teach you not to lose hope in your life. This mentality or mental strength is really important for everyone. If you are really strong inside, you will be able to make hard things easy in your life.  

Makes More Competitive: Competition is the core thing in a game or sport. There are usually two teams that compete with each other. In some games, there could be more than two teams. But the main thing is to compete with each other. End of the competition the best performer becomes the winner. So if you play games and sports regularly, you will get a competitiveness mind setup for your future. That will assist you to compete with bad moments of your life.  

No Need to Do Extra Exercise: You don’t need to do any extra physical exercise to keep yourself healthy if you are a regular sportsman. It will keep you fit and healthy. There is no better option than playing sports to stay healthy.  

Conclusion: There is a lot of importance to sports in our life. We need to play and promote sports among the young generation.    

Importance of Games and Sports Essay: 600 Words for Class 11, 12

Introduction: We all play games and sports in our life. But nowadays, the time for sports and games are really limited for the students. They have to follow a tight study schedule or they don’t have proper facilities for playing sports. The biggest problem is enough space or playground. In big cities, there are really fewer playgrounds for the students. That’s a really threatening thing for the future generation. Sports are really important in many ways in our life. We are going to talk about this in that essay. I hope you will enjoy it.  

Sports in My School: In my school , sport is mandatory. We have a really big playground in front of our school. The field is really amazing for playing both football and cricket. Most of the time, students play cricket, but there is a specific season for football too. We have a really strong football and cricket team. Last year, we won the interschool cricket championship in our district. Our teachers are also really conscious of sports. They want every student to participate in different games. Not only cricket and football, but there are also some other sports too that we play. Our cricket coach is Mahmudul Hasan sir. He is a great person and really experienced sports coach. He is conscious of our fitness. We need to do proper exercise, before any cricket tournament. We play three main tournaments in a year. I got selected in the main team when I was in class nine. And then became a captain in class ten, and stills serving the school team as a captain. We have won lots of trophies under my captaincy. So overall, there is an amazing sports environment in my school . I wish every school to become a sport-loving place like my school .  

Importance of Sports in Student Life: A student’s main duty is to study. But to keep balance in mental and physical health, we need to come out and do some physical exercise. And as a young boy or girl, there not other better option to do physical exercise than playing games and sports. It makes us really happy when we do something good in the game. Even if we lose, it teaches us to accept lose and walk ahead. Sometimes, we face hard times in the cricket pitch or football field. We learn how to control the pressure in a hard time. So the sport is full of lessons. We can learn lots of real-life lessons from it. There is no hesitation that the importance of sports is really high in student life. You must need to participate in lots of sports at that age.  

Sports to Spread Social Awareness: The youth is facing lots of problems these days. A big number of them are being connected with drugs and eve-teasing. In that case, sports can change the entire scenario. When a young boy gets free time, he wants to use it on a thing that he can make fun of. So it’s not really surprising that they start taking drugs with bad company. But if that boy is connected with cricket or football, he will love the game automatically. He always will try to keep himself fit for the game. In that case, he will use his spare time to practice and will do physical exercise. Overall, it’s a matter to enjoy the game. We know we all love playing and watching sports and games. We just need proper facilities to play that. So we need to promote games and sports with some social messages and spreading some social awareness to save our youth from the drugs and other crimes.  

Conclusion: We need to give our kids enough opportunity to play sports and games so that they can prepare themselves mentally and physically.

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• Importance Of Games And Sports Essay

Importance of Games and Sports Essay

500+ words essay on the importance of games and sports.

Through the ages, the sport has been known to affect various cultures, traditions, and values in our society. Many people have favourite games, sports, teams, stars, or events, such as the Olympic Games or World Championships. Many people dedicate much time to learning more about their favourite games and sports. They attend sports events in support of their favourite athletes and teams. Many children have aspirations of becoming like their favourite players, yet very few actually get the opportunity to play against or alongside their childhood idols. Sport receives an inordinate amount of media attention and has attracted the interest of people, especially when it comes to Olympics, Commonwealth and Asian Games. In this importance of sports and games essay, students will get to know the benefits of playing different sports and games. By going through sports and games essays, students get enough information so they can write essays in their own words.

Games and Sports

The words games and sports are mostly used together. But both of them are different. A game is an activity involving more players, defined by a goal that the players try to reach and some set of rules to play it. A person who participates in a game is known as a player. By masses, games are played primarily for entertainment or enjoyment. The difference of purpose differentiates sport from the game, combined with the notion of individual or team skill.

A sport is a physical activity carried out under an agreed set of rules, for competition or self-enjoyment or a combination of these. Sports are the kind of activities in which a similar kind of body movement is repeated over a long time. For example, swimming and running. The sport involves an activity or activities where the mental capabilities of the sportsperson are judged. In a sport, it is the sportsperson or the individual who determines the outcome. A person participating in a sport is called an athlete or a sportsperson.

Advantages of Games and Sports

Most people play a sport as a hobby or for the love of the game. They are immensely pleased with the advantages of the sport. Playing games and sports improves health and fitness, provides mental peace and calmness and makes them more active. Sporting activities and games give everyone an opportunity to achieve the personal benefits of sport involvement. These activities aim at the optimum physical, mental and social development of an individual.

Games and sports in some form or other have been a part of human life either for survival or for pleasure. Gradually human beings started organising events, including games and sports, as community events. Consequently, the need was felt to acquire specific skills and advancement in many sports. Each sport has its specific skills which need to be developed for playing correctly. Rules and regulations of the sports are revised from time to time by their federations.

Games and sports are essential to enjoy overall health and well-being. Sports and games offer numerous advantages and are thus highly recommended for everyone, irrespective of their age. Playing games and sports maintains the human figure and provides strength, patience and endurance. All doctors recommend exercising as a preventive measure for all types of diseases. One of the best workouts for the body is daily exercise or playing any type of outdoor game or sport. People active in sports have better health than those who do not participate in sports as they are physically and mentally prepared for new challenges in their life.

With the help of this sports and games essay, students must have understood the importance of games and sports in our life. They can also practise more essays on various topics to improve their writing section.

Frequently asked Questions on Sports Essay

How can we promote various sports among students.

Schools should introduce different sports and encourage students to actively participate in all of them.

What is the national game of India?

Hockey is the national game of India.

Why are sports important for elderly people also?

Reduced risk of several diseases, and stronger joints and muscles are some of the reasons why elderly people should also play sports.

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Essay on Sports and Games in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Sports And Games Essay: Sports and games are a great way to stay active and have fun. They keep us healthy and fit. They offer us a change from the monotony of daily life. It is a useful means of entertainment and physical activity.

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Target Exam ---

Sports and games help in character building. They give us a sense of discipline and fair play. They teach us how to cope with defeats and how to celebrate victories. They promote team spirit and healthy competition.

Sports and games are essential for the all-round development of a child. They should be encouraged in schools and colleges. Facilities for sports and games should be provided in every locality. The government should also promote sports and games by providing adequate financial assistance.

Long and Short Essay on Sports and Games in English

We have provided below short and long essay on sports and games in English.

The essays have been written in simple yet effective English for your information and knowledge.

After going through the essays you will know how sports and games benefit the overall personality of a person, what is the difference between sports and games, examples of sports and games etc.

These sports and games essay will be extremely helpful in your school/college events during essay writing, speech giving or debate competition.

One Stop Solutions for School Preparation

Short Essay on Sports and Games – Essay 1 (200 words)

Sports activities are mostly those activities that have acquired a professional stature and are played at different levels including state, national and international level besides being played locally in streets, schools and other places. Some sports activities are also played to seek adventure. Sports are mostly played outdoors. Games can be both indoor and outdoor. While some games are played for leisure others are played professionally. While there is a slight demarcation between the two however, the terms sports and games are mostly used interchangeably.

Sports and games are recommended for everyone. These serve as an exercise that must form a part of our daily routine if we want to stay fit and active. The key to staying fit is following a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and exercise. Different outdoor sports such as cycling, swimming, football, basketball, etc are a good way to exercise. These do not only help in keeping our physical health intact but are also a good way to stay fit mentally.

Indoor games such as chess and carom board serve as a good exercise for our brain. They enhance our thinking capacity and analytical skills and sharpen our mind. It is suggested to inculcate the habit of following a sport or game in children from the very beginning. It is good for their growth and overall development.

National Game of India

Essay on Value of Sports and Games – Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

Sports and games are of great value. They must be followed to live a wholesome and healthy life. Everyone, no matter what age he/she is, must follow sports activities as per their interest and calibre. This is a good way to stay away from stress and boredom and lead an active and fit life.

Sports and Games are Stress Busters

In today’s times, stress and anxiety have become a common problem. These often lead to a bigger and more serious problem called depression. While many people are becoming victims of depression because of loneliness others are suffering from it because of the growing competition and various other reasons. A good way to combat stress is to take a break from the daily chores and indulge in sports and games for some time each day. A lot of research has been done in this field and it has been found that people who spend at least an hour playing their favourite sport each day are far less prone to stress and anxiety compared to those who lead a sedentary life devoid of any such activity.

Sports and games are not only recommended for good mental health but also to keep fit physically.

Sports and Games Help Build Healthy Relationships

Playing indoor or outdoor games with one’s family members helps build stronger relationships. Playing indoor games such as Ludo, carom board, chess and other board games with our family members is a good way to spend quality time with them and strengthen our bond. These are a few such games that people of any age can play easily and enjoy. Indulging in outdoor sports and games such as badminton, hide and seek, cricket, etc with our family members is an equally good way to bond with them.

Thus, sports activities are a good way to stay fit physically and mentally and also a great means to strengthen our familial bond.

Essay on Importance of Sports and Games in Student’s Life – Essay 3 (400 words)

Sports and games play an important role particularly in a student’s life. It is a growing age and students must be involved in sports activities to ensure their all round development. Besides, there are many other reasons why students must be encouraged to play sports. These have been discussed here in detail.

Importance of Sports and Games in Student’s Life

• Explore Interest

Indulging in sports and games is important for the students as it helps them explore their interest in life. If a student is only made to study different subjects and indulge solely in academic activities then he would never be able to know if he is good in a sport and can excel in it. Playing different games and sports helps them explore their interest and understand what their true calling in life is.

• Combat Stress

The growing study pressure these days often leads to high level of stress among students. Indulging in a sports or games for an hour every day gives them the much needed break and helps them rejuvenate. It is a good way to combat stress and anxiety which is a growing problem among students these days.

Sports and games activities help in staying fit both physically and mentally. This is one of the main reasons why students must be encouraged to indulge in these. Teachers and parents must make it a point that their students/children indulge in sports or games every day for at least an hour so as to keep fit.

• All Round Development

It is rightly said, “All work and no play makes Jake a dull boy”. Sports and games are a good way to ensure the all round development of a student. Students who indulge in sports activities are known to have a good overall personality.

• Build Team Spirit

In this era of growing competition, students often see their fellow students and friends as their rivals. They are always looking for ways to beat them in studies and other activities. Sports such as cricket, basketball, football and volleyball help the students understand the importance of staying united to achieve a common goal. They build team spirit which is very important to lead a successful and fulfilling personal and professional life.

Thus, sports and games play a very vital role in a student’s life. There are many things that academics cannot teach the students. These can only be learned by indulging in sports. Thus, every student should be encouraged to play different games and sports.

Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Sports and Games – Essay 4 (500 words)

Sports and games are recommended for various reasons. It is often said that we must indulge in sports and games for few hours a day in order to stay fit and active both physically and mentally. Besides these, there are numerous other advantages attached to these activities because of which these are highly recommended. However, they do have their downside too. Here is a look at the advantages as well as disadvantages of sports and games:

Advantages of Sports and Games

There are many advantages of sports and games. Following are some of the main advantages of indulging in these:

• Good Way to Rejuvenate: Sports and games are one of the best ways to rejuvenate. Indulging in these is a good way to get respite from the daily grinds.
• Strengthen Bond: Playing games and sports with family members, be it kids or elders, is a good way to spend quality time with them and strengthen the bond. Different types of board games can be played indoors with elderly people. In today’s time when both the parents are working and giving enough time to the kids is difficult, indulging in outdoor sports with them even for half an hour a day can help create the required bond.
• Develop All Round Personality: Sports and games work on different levels and help in building the all round personality. The overall personality of a person who indulges in sports activities regularly is way better than those who are always caught up with work.
• Burst Stress: Sports and games are one of the best ways to burst stress. It is highly recommended to indulge in one’s favourite sport activity for an hour each day as it helps in combating stress and anxiety.
• Build Stamina: Indulging in sports activities regularly helps in building stamina and boosts immunity. It helps in keeping physically fit.

Disadvantages of Sports and Games

Sports and games can be hazardous in certain ways. Here are the main disadvantages attached to sports and games:

• Can be Dangerous: Many sports activities particularly adventure sports such as bungee jumping, big wave surfing, cave diving and high lining can be quite dangerous. These have injured numerous people and taken many lives. It is essential to ensure you are medically fit before indulging in such sports to avoid the risk of incurring any serious medical condition. However, the possibility of accidents cannot be barred completely.
• May Hamper Studies: While students must indulge in sports and games for their proper growth and development however these may hamper their studies. Some students become too inclined towards sports and games that they begin to ignore their studies. All they ever want to do is to go out and play and this can hamper their studies and lower their grades.
• Can Be Exhausting: Playing outdoor sports and games for an hour or so every day is a good way to build stamina and stay fit. However indulging in them for long hours can be quite exhausting and can take a toll on a person’s physical health.

Thus, while sports and games are good for an individual, one need to choose the right sport and not over indulge in them so as to avoid the disadvantages attached to them.

Long Essay on Sports and Games – Essay 5 (600 words)

Different sports and games are being played in various parts of the world since centuries. Cricket, football, basket ball, archery, horse riding, hockey, golf, tennis and chess are some of the popular games played around the world. These sports and games are played locally and even at national and international level. The inclination towards sports is increasing with time and so are the sports academies and institutes.

National Sports of Different Nations

Sport activities are given special place by every nation. Every nation around the world has a national sport. Here are the national sports of different nations:

Games and Sports in Schools and Colleges

Schools and colleges around the world are recommended to involve their students in various indoor as well as outdoor sports activities. Most of the schools have play grounds where students can indulge in various outdoor sports activities including cricket, football, volleyball, etc. Basket ball and lawn tennis courts are also built to practice these sports. Indoor games such as carom board, chess, etc are also encouraged.

Interschool sports competitions are held regularly so that students get a chance to display their talent. Many students are selected for playing different sports at state and national level based on their performance in school and colleges.

Special sports clubs are established where students are trained to play different sports efficiently. Many students enrol at such academies to hone their sports skills.

Indoor Games and Sports

There are many indoor games that are enjoyed by people of all ages. Some of these include snakes and ladders, carom board, chess, marbles, cards, Pictionary, scrabble, tick-tack-toes and dots and boxes. These games are easy to play and great fun. These are a good way to release stress and bond with our near and dear ones.

Snooker, bowling, squash and table tennis are some other indoor sports. However, these require a special setting and sports equipment to play.

Outdoor Games and Sports

There are a number of outdoor games and sports that can be enjoyed mostly as a part of a team. These include cricket, basket ball, base ball, football, hockey, kho kho, hopscotch, hide n seek and tug of war. These are all great fun. They do not only help in taking a break from the mundane routine but are also a good way to build one’s physical stamina and burst stress.

Cycling, rock climbing and dodge ball are some of the other sports that can be enjoyed outdoors.

Games and Sports: Recommended for All

Be it a small child or an elderly person – sports and games are recommended for all. We often overlook the importance of games and sports. However, these are a good way to spend our time resourcefully. There are different types of indoor as well as outdoor sports and games that one can indulge in. Different sports and games help in our development in different ways. While some serve as food for our brain and help in sharpening it others keep us physically fit and active.

Thus, sports and games are essential for the overall growth and development of an individual. These activities help in keeping a person physically fit and mentally strong. It is important to inculcate the habit of playing different sports and regularly from an early age itself.

Long Essay on Sports and Games – Essay 6 (1100 words)

We all must have heard the phrase- “Health is wealth” at some point of time in our lives. The phrase implies that wealth is nothing but a manifestation of a healthy body. The phrase might be deceiving for some, because the ‘wealth’ mentioned here is not the materialistic ‘wealth’ but the real wealth of ‘health’. That means- if you are healthy and fit you will well be able to live linger, work and meet your requirements, prosper and grow.

If you lose wealth, it could be gained back through hard work, but if you lose health then it will be much more difficult to gain it back. To stay healthy you must be physically active by actively participating in sports and games. Playing sports and games keep the vital stats of your body maintained by keeping your vital organs healthy and functional. Below we are providing a long essay on sports and games, stressing upon the difference between sports and games, importance of sports and games and a brief description of some of the world’s famous sports and games.

What is the Difference between Sports and Games?

There is a huge difference between sports and games, barring few exceptions. Any kind of sport must mandatorily involve physical activity and skills, but a game may or may not involve physical activity; nevertheless, it will also require skills. ‘Sports’ is a completion in which the participants are solo and usually relying on their own individual skills. Some of the examples of sports are- swimming, javelin throw, gymnastic, dirt racing, horse riding, para gliding etc. They all rely on the participants individual skills and all involve physical activity.

There is also an exception to the above rule- some sports those involve team work, can be termed both as game and sport. For Ex- Cricket, basket ball and volley ball are referred to as games as well as sports. It is very common to hear phrases like – ‘game of cricket’ or ‘cricket is a great sport’ etc. One rule never changes, and that is- if you are calling an activity a sport, it must involve physical activity and exertion.

Many games on the other hand, don’t require any physical activity; nevertheless they still require individual skills. Some examples of such games are – chess, board games, card games, party games, dice games, video games etc. Some of these games may require a little physical movement; not enough to categorize them under sports.

What is the Importance/Value of Sports and Games?

Getting involved in a sport and game has various positive effects on one’s body, mind and personality. They keep you physically and mentally healthy, making you ready to accept defeat and rise again. Below given are some of the most important advantages or values of sports and games-

• Physical Fitness: Playing sports and games will keep your body fit by keeping your vital organs healthy. Physical fitness is one of the main attributes of sports and games. Physical exercise makes your heart beat faster, improving the health of your heart and lung as well.
• Mentally Fit/Alert: Playing any kind of sport requires not only physical agility but also mental activity. A sportsman is required to think fast and respond immediately to different situations. Such mental exercise keeps your brain fit and alert and dramatically improves your response time. Games like chess, checkers and cards etc improve thinking ability.
• Team Work: Sports improve your ability to work in a team and fight for a common goal. You get to know that how to work in a team. You listen to the opinions of your team mates, even suggesting them where ever necessary and together chart out a plan for your team’s win.
• Improves confidence Level: Seeing your strategies working out for your team, the win, the appreciation that you get from your team mates and friends, will boost up your confidence level to a new high. Even if you are on the losing side, you still will have the confidence to compete again and win.
• Stress Buster: Playing sports and games, even the ones those don’t involve much physical activity are natural stress busters. You pumped up heart or an actively concentrated brain will ultimately bring your stress level down.
• Socialization: Playing sports and games is also a kind of social activity. You interact with your opponents, team mates, viewers and judges. Strategies and rules are discussed; pleasantries are exchanged, all improving your social skills and conduct. A good sportsman knows how to conduct himself with different people and under different circumstances.
• Personality Development: Being physically fit, mentally strong, taking the failure with courage and knowing how to conduct yourself in private or in public, improves your overall personality. A true sports man remains composed both in win and also in defeat.

Some World Famous Sports and Games

• Football (Soccer): Going by the number of fans around the world, soccer is the most popular game with and an estimated 3.5 Billion fans worldwide. The game is played between two teams with minimum 11 players, including one goal keeper. The game is played for two halves of 45 minutes each with a rest of 15 minutes.
• Cricket: Cricket is the second most popular game after football. The game has nearly 2.5 billion fans worldwide and is played by two teams with 11 players each. It is played with a bat and a ball with only one team batting at a time.
• Field Hockey: Field hockey is another popular sport with 2 Billion fans worldwide. Field hockey is played between two teams with 11 players including the goal keeper on each side. The time is divided into two halves of 35 minutes each and the game is played with a small ball and a wooden stick.
• Basketball: There are estimated 400 Million fans of basket ball, across the globe. Played between two teams with five members each, competing to shoot a ball through a hoop placed 10 feet high from the ground. The game of basketball is played over an average time of 2 hours 15 minutes.
• Chess: The game of chess has been termed as the ‘sleeping giant’ in the world of games with an estimated 600 Million regular players worldwide. It is a board game which is played between two contestants. Playing chess require the ability to think and predict the moves of the opponent and make moves accordingly.

Conclusion: Sports And Games Essay

Sports and Games, involving either physical or mental exercise have a positive effect on one’s health, mind and personality. It is an activity which doesn’t has any ill effects and is healthy, rejuvenating and also entertaining. We all must take out some time from our studies and work to play the sports or games of our choice and inclination.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Sports and Games

What do you mean by sports and games.

Sports and games refer to physical and mental activities where participants follow defined rules, often involving competition, skill, or teamwork.

What is the importance of games and sports?

Games and sports improve physical health, foster teamwork, discipline, and enhance mental well-being, making them crucial for overall development.

What is sports short essay?

Sports are organized activities that boost physical fitness and mental resilience. Through competition and teamwork, they instill values like discipline, perseverance, and camaraderie. Playing sports not only keeps us healthy but also teaches essential life lessons.

What are the benefits of sports?

Sports offer numerous benefits like improved physical health, enhanced mental well-being, stress reduction, better teamwork skills, and increased self-discipline.

What is the value of sports?

The value of sports lies in promoting physical health, building character, fostering community, and instilling essential life values like discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

What is the role of sports in our life?

Sports play a pivotal role in enhancing physical fitness, building social connections, teaching teamwork, and promoting mental well-being.

Why is sports important for students?

Sports are vital for students as they promote physical health, improve concentration, foster teamwork, and teach time management and discipline.

Participating in sports improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, boosts mental health, enhances social skills, and instills discipline and resilience.

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Essay on Importance of Sports and Games in English

Importance of sports and games – essay in english.

By Sathyavathi

Essay on Importance of Sports and games in 250 Words

Sports and games are an integral part of human life and have been around for thousands of years. They serve a v ariety of purposes , including providing exercise and recreation , building character and teamwork skills , and promoting competition and friendship.

One of the main benefits of sports and games is that they provide a way for people to get regular physical activity , which is essential for good health . Exercise helps to strengthen the heart and lungs, improve muscle tone and flexibility, and reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Sports and games also provide a fun and enjoyable way for people to get the exercise they need.

In addition to providing exercise, sports and games also help to build character and teamwork skills. Playing sports and games requires discipline, determination, and the ability to work with others towards a common goal. These skills can translate to other areas of life, such as school and work, and can help to build confidence and self-esteem.

Sports and games also promote competition and friendship. Competition can be a healthy and motivating force, and playing sports and games allows people to compete in a safe and controlled environment. At the same time, sports and games also promote friendship and teamwork, as players work together towards a common goal and learn to support and encourage each other.

In conclusion, sports and games play a vital role in human life, providing exercise and recreation, building character and teamwork skills, and promoting competition and friendship.

Essay on Importance of Sports and games in English

Sports and games are not mere physical activities alone. They play a more significant role in making people confident, adaptable, alert, and happy but in most of our schools, the games period is for relaxation .

It is for breaking the humdrum of academic lessons. A sport as a career choice is still not a lucrative option for many in our country.

We perform poorly in international sports events like the Olympics despite having a demographic advantage. It is not that we are not capable enough. We lack awareness, and our players don’t get the required encouragement and support.

So, let us now delve into the advantages of sports and games in life:

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1.Physical benefits:

Sports and games make you more fit . They make your muscles stronger and keep the bones, heart, and lungs in good condition. When you play sports regularly, you use up the fatty molecules. It implies that you have less chance of blood clotting and heart attack. Physical games are the natural healer for the obesity menace. At least now, we should make sports a mandatory part of the curriculum in schools and colleges. Once people enjoy playing, they may not go for exercise routines to decrease weight. Children who learn to play sports become active adults.

2. Sports make you a moral human being :

Sports teach many life skills required for good conduct in society. When you play sports, you imbibe qualities such as honesty, teamwork, leadership, and strategic planning . These skills will be helpful in every walk of life. Children in sports learn to follow the rules and respect teammates and opponents. As adults, they will not readily resort to dubious and corrupt practices.

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3. Sports help in enhancing your EQ:

Players are not afraid of losing a game. Sportspeople can accept rejections and defeats better. Similarly, they do not get carried away by their victories. They understand that success and failure are both part of the game. Life becomes a lot easier when a similar thought process is applied to all aspects.

4. Sports can boost academics:

Playing games increase concentration power . The more you practice, the higher the potential of your brain. You become good at decision makin g. You are ready to take up challenging subjects. Therefore, sportspeople can study faster and are good at solving logical and analytical problems. Moreover, sports teach you the value of time. Students who play sports do not waste their precious time in gossiping and fault-finding.

5. Sports help in healthy socializing:

One of the main problems in the present hyper-connected world is loneliness. Our social media presence seems dubious, and people have fake friendliness. While playing a game, people have a delightful time together and develop a healthy social life too.

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6. Sports – an excellent stress-buster:

For students, sports are a source of recreation. They help in breaking the monotony of academic studies. Serious sports require intense training. Thus, sportspeople have a proper way to channelize their energy. By actively participating in games, one can balance his mood well and is likely to experience less stress in life .

7. Sports inculcates adventure spirit

People who play in national teams, often travel abroad for their games. They get to experience different cultures and have a broader mind. They become more exploring in nature. These qualities can make you a global citizen. With more people in sports, our communities are more open to experiments. From a business point of view, it makes the country more attractive to foreign investors.

8. Pride of the nation:

At the highest levels, games are held among various countries. It represents the progress of the nation. When a national team wins the World cup in sports like football or cricket, the entire country is in a celebration mood. People forget their regional differences and unite as citizens of the country.

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The Government’s role:

Unfortunately, sporting events and organizations are marred with rampant corruption in our country. The politicians and administrative officials need to understand the national significance of sports. The present government launched the Khelo India scheme last year. Under this program, many sporting events are conducted across the nation. It encourages the mass participation of students in the games. The primary purpose of the scheme is to identify talented people and train them adequately. We also require the sportspeople to have other sources of income as they retire.

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With so many advantages and impacts, it is high time that we realize the importance of sports and games. We need to make sports mandatory in schools. We should give up the attitude of looking at games period as a break from studies. Students should have both supervised and unsupervised games classes. It is for creating a natural inclination towards games while supervised courses can help us identify the right talent and groom them early.

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Essay on Importance of Sports for Students and Children

500+ words essay on importance of sports.

First of all, Sport refers to an activity involving physical activity and skill . Here, two or more parties compete against each other. Sports are an integral part of human life and there is great importance of sports in all spheres of life. Furthermore, Sports help build the character and personality of a person. It certainly is an excellent tool to keep the body physically fit. Most noteworthy, the benefits of Sports are so many that books can be written.  Sports have a massive positive effect on both the mind and body.

Physical Benefits of Sports

First of all, Sports strengthen the heart. Regular Sports certainly make the heart stronger. Hence, Sport is an excellent preventive measure against heart diseases . This certainly increases the life expectancy of individuals. Furthermore, a healthy heart means a healthy blood pressure.

Sports involve physical activity of the body. Due to this physical activity, blood vessels remain clean. Sports reduces the amount of cholesterol and fats in the body. This happens because of the increase of flexibility of the wall of the blood vessels. The flexibility increases due to physical exertion, which is the result of Sports.

Furthermore, the sugar level in blood also gets lower thanks to Sports. The sugar certainly does not accumulate in the blood due to physical activity.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

A person experiences a good quality of breathing because of Sports. Sports strengthen the lungs of the body. Sports certainly escalate the lung capacity and efficiency of the body. Hence, more oxygen enters the blood which is extremely beneficial. Furthermore, there are fewer chances of developing lung diseases due to Sports.

Appropriate body weight is easy to maintain because of sports. A Sports playing person probably does not suffer from obesity or underweight problems. Sports certainly help the body remain fit and slim.

Furthermore, Sports also improves the quality of bones. A person who plays sports will have strong bones even in old age. Several scientific research reports that Sports prevent many diseases. For example, many researchers conclude that Sports prevent the development of cancer.

Other Benefits of Sports

Sport is certainly an excellent tool to build self-confidence . Playing Sports increases confidence to talk properly. A sport certainly improves the skills of communicating with others. Furthermore, the person experiences confidence in sitting, standing, and walking properly. Hence, Sports enriches the social life of an individual.

Sports bring discipline in life. It certainly teaches the values of dedication and patience. Sports also teach people how to handle failure. Furthermore, the importance of following a time schedule is also present in Sports.

Above all, Sports improves the thinking ability of individuals. Sports certainly sharpen the mind. Children who play Sports probably perform better at exams than those who don’t.

Finally, Sports reduces the stress of mind . A Sports playing person would certainly experience less depression. Sports ensure the peace of mind of those playing it. Most noteworthy, Sports brings happiness and joy in the life of individuals.

A sport is an aspect of human life that is of paramount importance. It certainly increases the quality of human life. Sports must be made mandatory in schools. This is because it is as important as education. Everyone must perform at least one Sport activity on a regular basis.

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Essay On Sports And Games | Sports And Games Essay for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Essay On Sports And Games:  Gameplay and sports a significant role in one’s life from a very young age. It is not only an alternative for passing time but also helps in staying physically and mentally fit. There are a significant impact and significance of sports and games on every sphere of one’s life.

Sports and games are certainly an excellent tool that can be used to keep the mind and the body fit. Furthermore, it helps in building one’s character and personality. Whether played indoor or outdoor, sports and games have a positive impact on one’s life. Many people even choose various sports and games as a career option by deciding to chase their passion.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long And Short Essays On Sports And Games for Students and Kids In English

We are providing students with a long essay sample of 500 words and a short essay sample of 150 words on the topic Sports and Games for reference.

Long Essay On Sports and Games Of 500 Words In English

Long Essay On Sports And Games is helpful to students of classes 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Sports and games help in stimulating the mental and physical growth of an individual. A person who regularly gets involved in any kind of sports or games develops better body strength, a healthy body, and better coordination.

Sports and games help a person in keeping fit and fine. It increases the flow of blood throughout the body, making the heart stronger. The immunity of one’s body increases when they play outdoor games or sports. It also helps in keeping the body weight in check.

Games like Chess and Jenga helps increasing the concentration and thinking level of a person. Any form of physical sports on games has shown a strong positive influence on a person’s mental well-being. Participating in common and easy physical activity can help in reducing stress and anxiety levels and increase self-esteem.

The enhancement of mental and physical development of especially children is undoubtedly the essential contribution of sports. However, the list of values that a child might acquire through sports and games are numerous.

Playing out sports or games such as football, cricket, hide and seek, and swimming helps build a person’s stamina. As these are physical activities, the stamina of an individual automatically increases.

Games and sports, when played in teams, help children in learning team-spirit. It also gives them an experience of working and adjusting with different kinds of people in various situations. Playing sports and games helps individuals develop deep bonds and friendships which they otherwise may have never formed.

Sports and games can also be a great teacher of time management, giving them the taste of healthy competition, enabling them to give extra effort. By playing sports, individuals learn to maintain rules and respect authority.

Sports and games can bring a change to one’s daily routine. It serves as an escape for many by relieving stress from the body. It gives the mind a boost of enthusiasm and energy, making one feel happy for the entire day.

Even though sports and games have a lot of advantages, it also has several disadvantages. If not played carefully, some sports such as basketball, football and cricket can be dangerous. Proper safety gear must be worn when playing these games.

Sometimes when people exhaust themselves, it can also have an adverse effect on their body; hence rest is also an integral part.

Sports and games need a lot of dedication and concentration. When one decides to opt for a particular sport, they must be completed passionate about it. One must give in their all. When playing, all they must focus on is their game.

Sports and games should be made fun of and should be played by the rules. Playing sports or playing games together often facilitates emotional bonding and develops a love for the game.

Therefore, sports and games are necessarily an essential part of one’s life. People should learn at least one sport or engage in one game in their lifetime. Schools and colleges must encourage their students to learn things outside the textbook.

Short Essay On Sports And Games 150 Words In English

Short Essay on Essay On Sports And Games is helpful to students of classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Sports and games have been a part of our life for ages. Every individual must get involved in some kind of sports or games to keep themselves physically fit and keep themselves happy and energized.

Sports and games have with time. With the advancement of technology, the sports that we play outdoors are also available on computers and mobile phones in the form of video games. Sports and games can teach an individual thing that classrooms and textbooks never can.

Sports and games can also be a source of entertainment for those who play them and the people who enjoy watching them. Sports and games can help one build memories that will stay with them forever, which they can never make anywhere else.

Every individual must explore and understand all the sports and game options to see which sport suits them. Sports and games can help in developing a person’s character and emotions.

10 Lines On Sports And Games Essay In English

• Sports and games are one of the most integral parts of one’s life.
• Children must be encouraged to play sports and games.
• Sports and games can help in enhancing the physical and mental health of a person.
• Outdoor sports and games if practised regularly can help in maintaining good health.
• Physical sports and games require physical exercise.
• Every sport or game must have healthy competition.
• Sports and games teach individuals team-spirit.
• Humans have been playing sports and games since ancient times.
• Sports and games can often help in preventing diseases.
• Sports and games can change one’s life for the better.

FAQ’s on Essay On Sports And Games

Question 1. What is the main difference between sports and games?

Answer: Two or more people can play games, but sports are based more on an individual’s skills and performance.

Question 2. What are some benefits of sports?

Answer: Sports helps one in becoming physically strong, mentally self-assured and morally disciplined.

Question 3. What are some career options in gaming?

Answer: Career options for people who are interested in gaming are:

• Game designing
• Professional gamer
• Game animator
• Game programmer
• Game artist
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Movement, Play, and Games—An Essay about Youth Sports and Its Benefits for Human Development

Miguel nery.

1 Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Tecnologia, Universidade Europeia, 1500-210 Lisboa, Portugal

Isabel Sequeira

2 Self-Psicologia e Psicoterapia, 1150-278 Lisboa, Portugal

Carlos Neto

3 Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-004 Lisboa, Portugal

António Rosado

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The acknowledgment of the qualities and features of the world is made through the body, movement, and imagination. During their development, children learn new skills, complexify their thoughts, and become more autonomous. The progressive increase in motor repertoire in children reflects a more unified and solid self. Nowadays, there is a generalized restriction of the movement of children. It starts at home when parents establish rigid and/or phobic attachments with their children; it can be also observed at school which is more and more based on rigid learning rhythms and obsessive ideas about students’ performance, and finally in urban areas where free and outdoor play has considerably decreased during recent decades. The current lifestyles in Western societies resulted in a decrease in play among children. The culture influences the dominant types of psychopathology and, during childhood, mental suffering is often expressed with the increase (turmoil) or decrease (inhibition) of the body movement. Sports are underpinned by movement and play; they are a powerful tool in health promotion and an excellent way to assign meaning to movement. This work is an essay about the importance of play and youth sports in child development.

1. Introduction

This essay article addresses the importance of play and youth sports in child development. We focus mostly on early stages of sport engagement, when play should be the core activity of childhood. Different theoretical approaches are considered, including child motor behavior, sports sciences, psychology, and psychoanalysis. The manuscript is divided into three parts, and each one of them is divided into its main topics and sub-topics.

PART I is dedicated to child development, and aims to provide a general framework for the upcoming sections. We start with a brief review of early phases of child development (psychomotor development), before moving forward until the beginning of more structured sport practice. A special attention is provided to the body as a means of self-expression and communication with others, and to different types of play (and its development) during childhood. It includes topics such as body, attachment, motor behavior, and play.

PART II—entitled Actual Constraints on Child Development—focuses on recent issues that constrain child (natural) movement, and have negative impact on their development. Despite the impressive economic development in the last half century in Western societies, with considerable positive impact on child health and education, modern lifestyles face new obstacles. Among these is a severe decrease in physical activity and play among youngsters. We describe how child movement and (free unstructured) play have become less accepted in settings such as home, school, and street. Later, we focus on the analysis of problems that result from it. We do not intend to make an in-depth analysis of child psychopathology; the focus is on the difficulties mostly expressed through the body (although related to overall development). We divided such problems into opposite poles related to a lack or excess of movement.

Finally, in PART III, we focus on the role of sports in child development. Here, we analyze the symbolic meaning of sports, and how it may contribute to fostering healthy development. This final section aims to provide a reflection about the use of sports as a tool to tackle issues. To do so, we start with a brief description of three models that emphasize the role of sports in child development. Although being generally perceived as a social good, engagement in sports is not always positive, and can also become a source of suffering due to different types of abuse existent in this context. We briefly address some types of violence and abuse that may be found in sports, and the increasing importance of safeguarding. We finish with a reflection about the potential of sports as a tool to promote healthy development (when properly conducted).

2. PART I. Child Development. Play and Motor Behavior

Play is a key element in child development. The body, movement, and the imagination are very important means for children to explore and progressively understand their environment. The body includes both “somatic” and “relational” parts, and these are interconnected. The somatic part of the body relates to the maturation process, musculoskeletal system, and physiology, and it is mainly approached by scientific areas such as biology, chemistry, and some disciplines of medicine such as neurology and pediatrics, among others. On the other hand, the relational part of the body relates to attachment (affect, emotions, and feelings) between the child and his/her significant others and environment, and it is mostly approached by scientific areas such as psychology, psychoanalysis, and social sciences.

The body must be understood based on an integrative perspective that considers both somatic and relational parts, their interconnection, and mutual influence. We consider the tangible part of the body, but with extensions that go beyond its physical limits, through the attachment and connections established during the personal history of the individual, and the development of his/her autobiographical memory [ 1 ].

The development of neurosciences shed some light on these topics; it is now widely accepted and more deeply understood that the mind is underpinned by a biological structure that cannot be ignored [ 2 , 3 ]. Considering that both attachment and physical maturation contribute to the development of the individual—and both play an important role in healthy development—we briefly summarize some ideas that underpin the forthcoming reflection.

2.2. Attachment

There is considerable evidence of the influence of attachment on child development, including the styles of attachment and personality development [ 4 ], the negative outcomes of deprivation [ 5 ], healthy and psychopathological development [ 6 ], and mentalization and development of self [ 7 ].

Humans have a long childhood period, and babies are born incredibly dependent on their caregivers (contrary to other species, including several mammals). The British pediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott—who dedicated most of his clinical activity to children—once stated that “there is no such thing as the baby”, along with “a baby alone doesn’t exist. What exists is always a nursing couple” [ 8 ]. This iconic sentence of the psychoanalytic field relates to the total dependence of the baby, and alerts us to the need to think about the baby within this relation/attachment (mother–baby dyad). We are born with a considerable potential, but we take much time to become autonomous. The developmental endeavor of becoming autonomous (and the degree of its success) greatly depends on the type (and quality) of the attachment created between the baby and its caregivers.

A mother and child-centered framework is established through the process of the development of the self. The emotional, neurological, and structural puzzle that provides the infant for his future connections is constructed from this plan. Therefore, each person’s attachment style will be determined by the responsiveness, contingency, and persistence of their mother’s replies to their bond requests.

Humans are born with a bonding mechanism that allows them to connect with a caregiver and, from this relationship, develop a connection with the rest of the world. Therefore, the body is the locus of secure bonding expression, the safe place. When a baby feels cherished, he perceives his body as a secure haven. Secure attachment bonds offer emotional support, safety, and availability throughout a human’s developmental history, particularly during trying times and significant moments of change. Infants who are securely attached can anticipate their caregivers’ availability, comprehension, and responsiveness thanks to attachment events. They will consequently feel secure and confident.

According to attachment theory, the stable nature of the attachment bond serves as a vital “emotional buffer” and is essential for completing developmental tasks in adolescence, such as adjusting to bodily changes, developing one’s own identity, or making goals for the future. The baby or toddler can begin to act in ways that involve exploring his environment by feeling secure and confident thanks to the safe bonding response. Initially, the main caregiver figures, followed by additional characters, the world space, and so forth.

The body serves as both the place and the agent of discovery and exploration. The physical body, with its limitations and potential, is a place and agent of pleasure and pain. Bowlby’s initial choice of protection as a “principal” biological function is no longer necessary, as noted in Bowlby’s final collection of lectures from 1988. Instead, the multiple advantages of attachment—such as feeding, learning about the environment, self-regulation, and social interaction—all contribute to its conveying an evolutionary advantage. According to this theory, attachment is not seen as a symptom of immaturity that needs to be overcome, but rather as a normal and healthy trait of individuals throughout the lifespan.

The Attachment Behavioral System

An “attachment behavioral system” is hypothesized to contain attachment behaviors. To characterize a species-specific system of behaviors that result in certain predictable consequences, at least one of which contributes to survival and reproductive fitness, Bowlby [ 9 ] borrowed the behavioral system notion from ethology. Inherent motivation is a part of the behavioral systems idea.

Children are believed to form attachments to others regardless of whether their physiological demands are satisfied, so there is no need to see attachment as the result of any more fundamental processes or “drive”. Evidence demonstrating that attachment is not caused by links with food, as suggested by secondary drive theories (e.g., [ 10 ]), supports this theory, as was already indicated [ 11 , 12 ]. The infant chooses the actions that are most appropriate for that situation and with that caregiver. As they grow, children have access to a wider range of approaches to proximity and learn which ones work best under what conditions. In fact, as Sroufe and Waters [ 13 ] noted, this organizational perspective aids in explaining stability in the face of both developmental and environmental changes.

Murray [ 14 ] established the concept of “affiliation”, according to Bowlby [ 9 ], p. 229: “Under this heading are classified all indications of friendliness and kindness, of the desire to accomplish things in partnership with others”. As a result, it encompasses a far wider range of behaviors than attachment and is not meant to include conduct that is focused on one or a small number of specific figures, which is the characteristic of attachment behavior. Thus, the organization of the biologically driven, survival-promoting desire to be sociable with others is referred to as the social system . The likelihood that people will spend at least some of their time with others is a significant expected result of activating this system.

Whenever it comes to what initiates behavior, what stops behavior, and how behaviors are organized, studies of both humans and other primates clearly demonstrate distinctions between the attachment and sociability systems [ 15 , 16 ].

When a child is secure, they want to play and engage socially, so, when a youngster is happy and certain of his or her attachment-whereabouts, they search for a playmate. Additionally, once they find the playmate, they want to interact with them in a playful manner. So, as a conclusion, a secure attachment allows the toddler to feel secure and to explore and places the body as central. Through the lifespan, it will allow engagement in play and sports. The usage of the body replays the early playful moments with primary caregivers.

2.3. Motor Behavior

The development of motor behavior heavily depends on maturation. The exploration of the surrounding environment by children requires movement, which is a key element in child development. Babies develop within their mother´s uterus for as long as possible; however, when they are born, despite their innate skills, they are still very “incomplete” and totally dependent on external support. From the rudimentary movements and basic skills of the baby, to the possibility to execute more complex and intentional movements (with higher capacity to act on the surrounding environment), children progressively develop (with more or less harmony) their motor skills, cognition, and language. During the early stages, children considerably increase their motor abilities; in a short period of approximately two years, they learn how to reach and grasp, to sit, to stand and walk, and to chew and talk [ 17 ]. Here, the action/movement of the body should be understood as a way of expression (speech), in which an increased physical coordination and motor competency/domain reflect a more unified self.

Through movement, children progress from the total dependency of early childhood to a more active functioning of exploration of the environment. To crawl and, later, to walk are examples of remarkable conquests made by toddlers and allow the first movements away from the secure base (mother). These movements symbolically relate to the earlier essays of autonomy [ 18 ]. The motor development allows new opportunities for children to learn about the surrounding world, and the flourishing motor skills instigate developmental changes in perceptual, cognitive, and social domains [ 19 ].

As described, during the early stages of their lives, children progressively increase their motor repertoire because of both maturational and interactional processes with their environment. The acquisition of these motor skills, along with cognitive development and construction of psychic apparatus, occurs through play activity [ 20 ], which is internally motivated and has a symbolic feature that promotes wellbeing and pleasure.

There are several types of play; these develop and evolve during childhood. The different types of play are not mutually exclusive; actually, they frequently overlap, but one of them tends to be more active/present during a certain period of child development, based on his/her degree of psychic structure. So, different types of play are related to different types of internal functioning. This is the reason why children with different ages tend to choose different types of play which are more in line with their stage of development. During childhood, new types of play overcome the preceding ones, which requires new skills. There are several taxonomies of play; these vary based on different scientific approaches and disciplines. This is a possible definition from developmental psychology:

Play is often defined as activity done for its own sake, characterized by means rather than ends (the process is more important than any end point or goal), flexibility (objects are put in new combinations or roles are acted out in new ways), and positive affect (children often smile, laugh, and say they enjoy it). These criteria contrast play with exploration (focused investigation as a child gets more familiar with a new toy or environment, that may then lead into play), work (which has a definite goal), and games (more organized activities in which there is some goal, typically winning the game). Developmentally, games with rules tend to be common after about 6 years of age, whereas play is very frequent for 2- to 6-year-olds [ 21 ].

According to Pellegrini [ 22 ], play has four domains: social, locomotor, object-directed, and pretend. Games come later and are more demanding from a social point of view.

Play is very important during child and self-development; there is solid scientific evidence corroborating this [ 23 ].

2.4.1. Social Play

Social play is part of the interaction between children and adults (typically parents), and between children and other children. Peek-a-boo play is one of earliest forms of play, in which babies and their parents engage in interactions characterized by some of the hallmarks of play, such as unpredictability, vocalizations, expectations, and positive affect. The quality of the social interaction between children and their parents strongly influences the competence of the children in future interactions with peers and others, due to the social learning and nature of the attachment between parents and children [ 22 ].

From a psychoanalytical standpoint, peek-a-boo is based on presence/absence, and relates to the need to be sought and found, as well as the role of being seen in the development of the self. By playing this, children progressively try to elaborate and symbolize the absence, which is a fundamental acquisition for their future social and academic endeavors [ 24 ]. Toddlers are thrilled when their parents hide behind a sweatshirt and ask aloud where the baby is, and then they put down the sweatshirt and show their happy face for “having found” him/her. Fragments of this type of play remain during childhood, although it may appear in different manners such as turning lights on and off, or later in the hide and seek game.

2.4.2. Locomotor Play

Locomotor play comes later, and the child’s body is more actively involved; it includes a dimension of physical vigor, and consists in exaggerated and non-functional behaviors and behavioral sequences. According to Pellegrini [ 22 ], there are three sub-types of locomotor play, with different age peaks: (1) rhythmic stereotypies (infancy), (2) exercise play (preschool years), and (3) rough-and-tumble play (middle childhood). Locomotor play has physical, cognitive, and social benefits, and there are some gender differences, with boys being more prone to engage in this type of play, especially exercise play and rough-and-tumble play. Although rough-and-tumble play is a sub-type of locomotor play, due to its importance in future sport activities, we describe it with more detail. Rough-and-tumble play is frequent among juvenile mammals (mostly among males), and has an important impact on physical and psychological development. It consists in play fighting (very different from real fighting). Children wrestle, climb over each other, and roll around, among other similar behaviors. Besides developing strength and physical skills, it also allows participants to assess other´s skills and physical strength [ 22 , 25 ]. Rough-and-tumble play fosters both psychological development and social skills; more specifically, it helps children to learn the limits of their strength, to find out what other children will and will not let them do, to develop social relationships due to the change in roles and sort out personal boundaries, and, also importantly, burn off energy and decrease tension.

2.4.3. Object-Directed Play

In object-directed play, children use objects (extensions of their bodies) when playing; they discover novel uses for objects, and these can be used in exploration, in play (with objects), in construction, and in tool use [ 26 ]. The use of objects is connected with social network and group structure.

2.4.4. Pretend Play

Pretend play—also called imaginative play or dramatic play—happens when children use their imagination to enact scenarios (experienced, seen, and/or fantasized). It may progress from solitary to social pretending with others, and according to Pellegrini [ 22 ] there are four components of pretending: (1) decontextualized behavior, (2) self–other relations, (3) sequential combinations, and (4) object substitution.

Pretend play is rooted in early interactions with adults, especially the child’s mother (attachment), and may be exclusive to humans. It becomes more intense with the rise of the Oedipal complex. This type of play allows the possibility of movements towards identifications, the deeper acknowledgement of sexual differences between boys and girls, and other important aspects of construction of the identity [ 24 ]. Here, children enact different roles (e.g., super-hero, princess) within an interpersonal scenario with peers and other important figures. This type of pretend play allows children to dramatize his/her inner world, speaking about him/herself through others. Some gender differences should be noticed; boys and girls tend to choose different characters, which becomes more pronounced at this stage.

The definitions of play and games differ; the latter develop later in childhood, are governed by specific rules based on deduction [ 27 ], and the aim is usually to win. During childhood, children tend to have an idealized idea of their parents, and perceive them as omnipotent entities who know everything, and are able to solve any problem. This (normal) idealization is rooted in the need to feel safe in the face of anxieties (and vulnerability). In healthy development, the idealization (and illusion) progressively decreases, allowing children to abandon their omnipotence (self-centered interpretation of the world) and to incorporate social norms and rules, provided by social order; as a result, children can then access more abstract thinking. In this phase, the game emerges; it reflects a higher differentiation between psychic structures (id, ego, superego), and is underpinned by both competition and measurement of skills between the participants (peers function as a mirror).

Play (and later, games) have an important role in child development. Play allows—among other things—the expression of internal conflicts (some of them normal, others more prone to become psychopathology), and children change from passivity to activity, allowing them to act upon their surrounding reality. The later engagement in games is more demanding; due to their standardized characteristics, to properly engage in games, children must submit to social rules and norms. We consider that the earlier forms of play and games—along with specialization of basic motor skills—underpin sport activities. More on this topic will be discussed later.

2.4.5. Importance of Play in Natural Environments

Despite its benefits for child development, the amount of time spent by children on outdoor free play (unstructured activities) has considerably decreased in current societies [ 28 , 29 ], contributing to more sedentary lifestyles, disconnected from the natural world [ 30 ].

Unstructured outdoor play has several benefits in child development, health, and wellbeing, including physical development, self-regulation and attention, communication and social development, cognitive development and creativity [ 29 ], and imagination and reasoning abilities [ 31 ]. Outdoor play also contributes to fostering physical exercise (and energy bust), to improve social and emotional development [ 18 ] and may contribute to establishing rapport between parents and their children [ 31 ]. Due to its benefits, outdoor play has been considered in educational approaches [ 28 , 32 ].

3. PART II. Actual Constraints on Child Development

3.1. settings.

Nowadays, mostly in Western societies, child movement is frequently (and early) not accepted and contained. The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the decrease in child movement due to lockdown and other preventive measures that resulted in a decrease in outdoor areas to play, and increased the physical distance between people [ 33 ]. In their review article, Kourti et. al. [ 34 ] suggest that play habits changed during the COVID-19 pandemic (and teachers were concerned about it); the authors analyzed 17 articles from Europe and North America, and concluded that outdoor play decreased during the pandemic, while indoor play and videogames/screen use increased. However, even before the pandemic, some contexts were identified in which child movement was already being felt as unacceptable. Here, we highlight three of them.

3.1.1. Home

At home, within the family environment, when parenting styles lead to insecure attachment styles, the natural movement of infants—which is associated with (normal) aggressiveness, dirtiness, excitement, and noise—is perceived as uncomfortable to some parents [ 24 ]. The normal movement of children is poorly understood and contained by an external environment that aims to impose excessive order and tidiness, going in the opposite direction of children’s needs. When this happens, as submission is gradually imposed, children (especially male) are pushed to become “good”: quiet, clean and “well-behaved”. Here, when children behave accordingly, their submission tends to be reinforced by parents (and, as a result, the opposite behavior is rejected). For girls, it is expected, even in an unconscious way, that they behave, stay quiet, and play with dolls or house tools.

The increased (and often excessive) use of electronic devices among children also contributes to the decrease in play. These devices keep children quiet in front of a screen; it becomes very useful when parents wish for their children to demand less attention from them. The high number of children who cannot be seated at the dinner table with their parents (and perhaps siblings) without having an electronic device to play is impressive. Despite the positive aspects of technology, the excessive use of electronic devices by children is a red flag regarding their healthy development. The stimulus of electronic devices is excessive. This aspect leads to a growing necessity of fast pleasure and immediate reward. In an older child, the world is “expected” to be pleasurable and satisfying. So, frustration and need for continuous reward are a predicable factor of anxiety and aggressiveness among older children.

According to Desmurget [ 35 ], the excessive use of electronic devices by children may result in negative outcomes regarding their physical health (obesity, heart diseases, lower average life expectancy), behavior (aggressiveness, depression, anxiety), and intellectual skills (language, concentration, and memory). Some major international organizations have also focused their attention on the impact of excessive use of electronic devices by youngsters [ 36 , 37 ].

3.1.2. School

The first major separation of children from their nuclear families and homes occurs when they go to school. Even those children who have been in kindergarten before going to school now have to face a more structured and demanding environment. Children face challenges such as the need to develop their skills, to learn school material (within a specific time), to make friends, and to progressively become less dependent of adults—to grow. Obviously, attachment issues have a strong influence on their success in these demanding tasks.

School is a very important context and allows children to grow and develop their skills. However, their natural movement is also often poorly understood and tolerated. Children are often asked to keep quiet, and to listen to a teacher for long periods of time, in an environment often marked by an obsessive analysis of school performance (grades) and accumulation of material rather than fostering understanding [ 18 , 38 ]. Education has become more technical and “pseudo-cumulative”, with emphasis being placed on “skill acquisition” rather than fundamental knowledge and fostering the development of the capacity of children to think about themselves and how the world works.

Today´s school asks children to carefully listen to what their teacher tells them; however, children are being raised in a world where the value of words has decreased considerably over time, and children are constantly a target of visual, immediate, and short-term stimuli (electronic devices, social media, and others). As a result, the opportunities to appreciate silence, to contemplate, to feel, to listen and be listened to, and to have relationships with an adult caregiver that foster thinking about how the world works and thinking about themselves (which is time consuming), have decreased [ 24 ].

3.1.3. Outdoor (Street)

The lack of play in cities and streets is also a constraint. During recent decades, outdoor (street) free play has been gradually replaced by standardized and artificial activities [ 39 ], in which children are oriented by adults in predefined and goal-oriented activities. Free time has become a paradox; children are often asked to do something in time periods that are supposed to be free (and include the possibility not to do anything). Laziness among children is often necessary and important; when children feel bored, they tend to use creative solutions to amuse themselves. This often allows games and play to arise. In urban areas (where most families live), the presence of children playing on the street has significantly decreased. They mostly live locked at home and are transported by adults from point A to point B all the time. Today, the street, perceived as a place to play with other children, practically does not exist.

Parents, schools, and urban areas often have difficulties to contain and to provide meaning to child movement. The natural benefits of play are being replaced by artificial programs (often seen at school) to “teach empathy”, to “develop social skills”, and/or to “learn about emotions”.

3.2. Psychopathology

The verbal skills and the capacity of children to access symbolic thought, when compared to adults, are, obviously, lower (and still under development). When play decreases among children, psychopathology tends to arise [ 39 , 40 ]. Clinicians who work with children often observe infants’ difficulties being expressed through their bodies. We do not intend to cover child psychopathology in detail; for the purpose of this article, we divided the problem into two groups: children whose (normal) aggressiveness becomes inhibited (lack of movement) and, at the opposite pole, those whose who are characterized by excess of movement (due to the lack of containment).

3.2.1. Lack of Movement: Inhibition of Aggressiveness

Inhibited children tend to be more submissive, formal, and “hyper-mature” (behaviors often reinforced by their parents and teachers), kinds of mini-adults who lack spontaneity and have difficulties with imagination and fantasy. These children are usually perceived as well-behaved and a role model at school but have difficulties in making friends and in free spontaneous play.

Inhibited children are much less often signaled at school (where many cases of primary diagnosis are spotted) because they do not disturb adults. The preoccupations around these children are often connected with their difficulties with peers (e.g., bullying victimization), a sudden (and not expected) break in their academic performance, or abrupt change in behavior. The expression of normal aggressiveness often fails in submissive children, not allowing them to be properly assertive. The parents of inhibited children (especially boys) often seek sports activity for their children, expecting them to learn there how to defend themselves (e.g., fighting sports), or to make friends to compensate for the loneliness felt at school due to peer rejection.

3.2.2. Excess of Movement: ADHD and Related Issues

The opposite pole to inhibited children are those children who cannot calm down and are constantly excited and hyperkinetic. In these cases, the movement is disorganized and expresses internal conflict and/or nameless threats. The excess of excitement (that should not be confused with normal motor activity) often reflects a poorly harmonious evolution in child development. Inhibited children often have problems with expressing normal aggressiveness; on the other hand, hyperkinetic children (mostly boys) often have problems related to lack of containment. These children are often labeled as suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Interestingly, these children tend to behave differently if they are alone, with parents, in school, or with someone who they do not know. Their behavior also differs considerably when they are with peers (more agitated) or in a one-on-one situation with an adult (they tend to regulate more easily), especially a male figure. Finally, very stimulating environments and situations in which children are freer to control their learning rhythms, and situations in which they are being paid to do tasks, also contribute to the ability of ADHD children to regulate themselves [ 24 ]. These variables allow us to think about the role of internal working models in ADHD, as well as the importance sports may have in the regulation of these children; those (especially boys) who have difficulties in impulse control and affect regulation often find sports a positive environment, and may strongly benefit from such activities.

The benefits of sports for children at both poles will be described in more detail later in this essay.

4. PART III. Role of Sports in Child Development

4.1. how sports foster healthy development.

Sport participation fosters overall wellbeing of children [ 41 ]. Efforts have been made to develop models to describe how sports foster human development. Here, we briefly describe three proposals, based on different approaches, and considering different variables.

4.1.1. Developmental Model of Sport Participation

The Developmental Model of Sport Participation (DMSP) is based on theoretical and empirical data, and aims to describe the processes, pathways, and outcomes related to the participation of children and adolescents in sports [ 42 ]. The DMSP considers the importance of appropriate training considering the age of the participants and their physical and psycho-social development. It identifies three trajectories towards grassroots and elite performance: (1) sampling years (age 6–12), (2) specializing years (age 13–15), and (3) investment years (age 16+). The DMSP considers early diversification (taking part in different sports) to foster the development of general motor skills. It also calls attention to the benefits of a high amount of deliberate play, and a low amount of deliberate practice, during sampling years.

4.1.2. Personal Assets Framework

The Personal Assets Framework [ 43 ] aims to describe the mechanisms of positive youth development in sports. This model considers that sport experiences should be analyzed based on three dynamic elements: (1) type of activities (What?), (2) quality of relationships (Who?), and (3) setting (Where?).

According to Côté, Murata, and Martin [ 41 ], the type of activity emphasizes the need to tackle early specialization due to its negative impacts on children (see [ 44 ]), and to foster play during childhood while progressively increasing practice as youngsters grow older and approach adolescence. The quality of the relationships includes interpersonal relationships, team dynamics, and the broader social environment; different types of relations (attachments), such as adult–child, child–child (peers), child–club, individual, and group relations, should be considered. Finally, the settings include structures that provide physical support for the sport activities.

4.1.3. Long-Term Athlete Development

Long-term athlete development is a developmental model underpinning a considerable amount of research, that aims to foster participation in sports and physical activity throughout life, by describing what people should be doing at certain ages, in sports. The idea of doing the right things at the right time, in sports participation, is described in nine stages, from childhood to adulthood, divided by gender. The stages consider the physical, intellectual, cognitive, and moral development of the individuals within each category, and are divided into: (1) Active Start (age 0–6), FUNdamentals (age 6–9), Learning to Train (age 9–12), Training to Train (age 12–16), Learning to Compete (age 16–18), Training to Compete (age 18–21), Learning to Win (age 20–23), Winning for a Living (age 24+), and finally Active for Life (any age). The first three stages are mostly focused on physical literacy and development of basic motor skills through play; these underpin further endeavor in sports, from being active in life to competition [ 45 ].

Despite their differences, all three models overlap regarding the need to foster free play during the early stages of athlete development, and describe its benefits for motor, social, and psychological development. Children (especially boys) easily engage in sport activities, and these can play an important role in child development.

4.2. Maltreatment and Abuse in Sports

Sports are generally perceived as positive, and their potential benefits for children are well known; as a result, parents, teachers, and physicians, among others, often foster the engagement of children in sport activities. However, participation in sports may also result in negative outcomes; despite the potential to foster human development, several types of abuse may occur during sport activities. Abuse in sports settings has been studied—especially in the last couple of decades—including research on bullying [ 46 ], coach emotional abuse [ 47 ], early specialization [ 44 ], sexual abuse and harassment [ 48 ], and different types of interpersonal violence [ 49 ], among others. The results of the studies, as well as the public knowledge of some major scandals, called attention to the need to protect young athletes from abuse. Safeguarding in sports has progressively become a growing concern.

When parents leave their kids in sport clubs, they expect them to be in a safe environment, and engaged in a positive activity with peers, regulated by a responsible adult. However, as stated before, different types of abuse may occur. Some children may be (re)victimized in sports, rather than finding a healthy environment that helps them to grow and overcome their difficulties. We can then ask, are sports positive for children?

4.3. Does the Engagement in Sports Foster Child Development?

The right answer to this question is probably that sports are a very powerful tool to foster human development, and children may find many positive opportunities to develop physical and emotional skills, and to improve themselves constantly. However—and despite their potential—the quality of the engagement in sports greatly relies on the quality of the relationships (attachments) established with significant others within this setting (and with sport itself). We can conclude that merely practicing sports cannot ensure positive outcomes, but if sports activities are properly conducted and adapted to children’s developmental stages, then sports can be an outstanding tool to foster positive development of children and youth.

Being a competent child´s sport coach is high skilled and demanding activity. These coaches must have knowledge about sports training, but also about child development. To become a role model, these coaches must understand the children´s needs, and always focus their attention on their best interests.

4.4. Understanding Sports

Those who are/were athletes, and even those who do not practice sports and prefer to merely watch, are often excited by the accomplishments of athletes, or become profoundly sad and disappointed when their admired athlete or team loses a match/game. People often celebrate a point/goal/win in enthusiastic ways, rarely seen in other areas of their lives. Sports promote fights and disputes, but also companionship between people. The passion is often used as an explanation to explain such apparently weird behaviors. Besides that, sport activities are universal, which calls attention to their importance. Actually, sports are an ancestral activity, deeply rooted in all cultures, underpinned by play, and include corporeality and intra- and interpersonal relationships within a competition setting. Sports have been studied by several scientific areas, with different aims and methods. Historical analyses of paintings on the walls of caves, artifacts, and manuscripts, among other records and sources of information, describe how sport activities have always been spread all over the world, and have always had an important social role [ 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 ]. There seems to be a common base for most sports; modern sports are underpinned by the ancient ones and—despite some differences due to geographical, cultural, and chronological variables—there is a considerable overlap between them.

Sport sciences have focused their attention on improving the performance of athletes (including many efforts of sport psychology). However, other approaches focused mostly on understanding sports, by analyzing their social and symbolic aspects; among these are included sociology, anthropology, and social psychology. Regarding psychoanalysis—perhaps surprisingly—there is a lack of research on sports [ 54 , 55 ]. The involvement and participation in sports are not purely rational; unconscious drives and life and death instincts play an important role that helps to understand why humans become involved in sports, and the reason for the great amount of pleasure from such activity [ 56 ]. To better understand sports and their “passion”, we must look at the symbolic meanings of sports activity. The psychoanalysis approach to sports considers topics such as aggressiveness, narcissism [ 54 , 57 ], sexuality, and attachment themes throughout the human life cycle [ 57 ], among others.

Basic Elements of Sports

Sports are not easy to define and include under the same concept. Several operational definitions and taxonomies have been proposed, and none of them is totally satisfying. We do not intend to develop such a conceptual discussion. For the purpose of this article, we will adopt a definition that—despite its limitations—has received a large consensus. The European Sports Charter ([ 58 ] https://rm.coe.int/16804c9dbb (accessed on 1 January 2023), in Article 2, defines sport as: “all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels”.

Despite the differences between different sports (and sports definitions), they are all underpinned by three basic elements: (body) movement, play, and competition (games).

(a) Movement

Sports result from the specialization of basic movements such as walking, running, jumping, kicking, grabbing/throwing, diving, climbing, etc. As a result, the body plays a major role in sports activities. Extension materials should also be considered (these are often used in child play); here, the body receives a “new part”, an extension, perceived as a continuity of the body itself (hockey or tennis are good examples).

The observation and analysis of the movement should not be based exclusively on sports techniques based on a musculoskeletal approach; it should also include the imprints from the psyche. The way children move and perceive their body is strongly related to their psychological development and attachment issues. Sports should therefore be perceived as an important area to provide meaning to movement, through a relation with another (bond). This is particularly important for youth sports training and young children who might suffer from inhibition of aggressiveness, ADHD, and other related issues.

Sports occur in a context of play with rules (games). They are underpinned by competition, and include ludic, symbolic, and pleasurable aspects. The understanding of the symbolic features of sports (and their potential to transform), as well as the working models of children, allows is to use sports in the service of child development. Sports allow the sublimation of aggressiveness in adequate ways, as well as impulses and unconscious desires.

(c) Competition

Competition is inherent to sports, and the engagement in these activities allows children to express normal aggressiveness. By playing sports, passiveness is turned into activeness, and children may symbolically domain others, and simulate their destruction (fantasy). The unconscious elements involved in sports may be expressed in adequate and progressively integrated ways (rather than being projected and acted out).

The binomials inside/outside, activity/passivity, and attack/defense interconnect and mutually influence each other. Many sports symbolically relate to attack and defense, to kill or die. The notions of space, territory, and target (own and opponents) should also be considered when analyzing sports. Besides motor skills, cognitive and spontaneous domains also play an important role and should not be ignored. The cognitive domain relates to planning and discipline; the representation (thinking and imagining) of an action before acting and the discipline to execute an action plan are always present in sports and extend to other areas of children’s lives (such as school). The spontaneous domain relates to freedom, to a creative flow, complementary to the cognitive domain.

4.5. Positive Outcomes

Here, we aim to analyze the use of sports as a tool to foster child healthy development. To do so, we divided the positive outcomes of sports into three major categories: (1) assigning meaning to body movement, (2) corporeality, fantasy, and play, and (3) ethics: positive identifications and sense of belonging. These areas are discussed and analyzed in the following.

4.5.1. Assigning Meaning to Body Movement

The brain has seven primary process emotional systems: SEEKING, SADNESS, FEAR, LUST, CARE, ANGER and PLAY; these are strongly linked to psychiatric disorders. The PLAY/JOY system stimulates young animals to engage in physical activities such as those described in rough-and-tumble play (wrestling, running, chasing each other), which helps young mammals to learn social limits and develop impulse control. If children do not play (or play less than needed), the development of their brain may be impaired, resulting in consequences in their maturation [ 3 , 59 ]. According to Panksepp [ 40 ], the increasing prevalence of ADHD among children may be related to the decreased opportunities for preschool children to engage more often in natural self-generated social play, because this type of play facilitates behavioral inhibition, while psychostimulants reduce playfulness.

When children are medicated for ADHD, many decrease their motor activity, but tend to feel apathy [ 24 ].

Rough-and-tumble play is also very common in childhood, especially among males; it contributes, among other aspects, to the development of social skills and capacity to increase concentration [ 60 ]. Both types of play described here underpin sports. Considering the actual decrease in play and generalized restrictions to movement among children, sports clubs became even more important to allow children to play (and move). If training is properly managed, and playfulness overcomes the development of specific motor skills, sports clubs can play a major role in assigning meaning to movement. The developmental models of young athletes overlap in the need to emphasize play and unstructured activities in early phases (see the section How Sports Foster Healthy Development). Unfortunately, many coaches of young athletes overemphasize the need to win in the short term, rather than focusing on the playfulness of sports, and on the development of children’s motor repertoire during their early training phases. Panksepp [ 40 ] proposes that play “sanctuaries” for children who suffer from ADHD should be established as an alternative for psychostimulants that reduce play. The author considers that this action would foster frontal lobe maturation and promote the healthy development of pro-social minds.

However, it is not only children who are hyperkinetic who benefit from sports. Those children who have difficulties in expressing normal aggressiveness and become too submissive may also find in sports an important setting to tackle their difficulties. Aggressiveness is natural and important; children should learn how to use and integrate it in proper ways (e.g., assertiveness). When aggressiveness is not integrated, and is turned towards the self, difficulties can arise. These children may become too mechanical, functional, and (pathologically) normative [ 61 ]. Children who suffer from obesity, dyspraxia, impairments in lateralization, and tics may also benefit from their engagement in sport activities, because they enhance body scheme and spatial–temporal representation, improve physical skills, and allow them to express aggressiveness in adequate ways.

Many difficulties of children are expressed through the body, and modern lifestyles contribute to the decrease in free play and constraint of movement. Sports can play an important role in stimulating play and movement of young children, fostering their motor, social, and psychological development. To do so, training practices should consider age appropriate activities, including free play and unstructured activities in early stages. The specialization of motor skills should be gradual, with training focused on enhancing performance, and coaches should be (more) aware of the needs of the children. In those cases of children who are inhibited or hyperkinetic, it is important understand their movement as a reflection of their internal world (and conflicts).

4.5.2. Corporeality, Fantasy, and Play

Advances in technology have brought major developments and improved the quality of lives worldwide. However, the virtual experience has also supplanted a large amount of embodied experience, which makes involvement in sports (playing) an important way to stay connected with a deep and ancestral part of human life [ 62 ].

Sports have a connection with psychoanalysis due to both considering interrelationships among intrapsychic, interpersonal, and social realms [ 57 ]. Involvement in sport activities includes the use of body expression (motor skills), within a ritual that considers both internal and external rules to regulate it (Freudian id, ego, and superego). According to Free [ 56 ], the overall system of allowances and prohibitions in sport activities may be perceived as an analogy to the Oedipal complex; most sports allow the symbolic physical expression of unconscious desires for maternal possession (which can be seen in the efforts to conquer territory, to score goals, to penetrate lines), but also require internalized discipline associated with parental authority (super ego). The pre-Oedipal functioning relates to indulgence, libido, and aggressive instincts, while the post-Oedipal regards aspects such as maturity, discipline, submission to social reality, and norms.

The internal working models of children influence how they perceive sports, and how they engage in such activities. The questions about “what” and “how” children play should be considered.

What a child plays is related to the sport chosen by him/her. What does the child try to symbolically express by playing that sport? How a child plays is related to the type of attachments he/she establishes with sports, peers, coaches, and competition. Some children do not allow themselves to win (due to the unconscious fantasy of destroying the other by doing so), while others cannot stand to lose (felt like a dangerous attack to their self-esteem). Learning how to “play the game” is very important for youngsters who engage in sports. By playing the game, we refer to learning how to relate to others in a positive way. More on this is developed in the next section.

4.5.3. Ethics: Positive Identifications and Sense of Belonging

According to Bonovitz [ 63 ], sports play an important role in the need for adolescents to search for idealization and idealized objects, for example, sport stars, allowing them to identify with these heroes, and foster their efforts for further separation from their parental figures. This positive idealization and identification reinforce the sense of identity of youngsters, within a social environment outside their families, and not directly linked with them.

By identifying with their sport heroes, youngsters may seek self-improvement and personal transcendence. In a broader sense, this is an ethical perspective of the utility of sports, that may work as a significant means to foster the identification with a competent, strong, fair, and resilient person, who works hard on a daily basis to overcome obstacles and become a successful hero. This perspective overlaps with the idea of the Jungian archetype of the hero [ 64 ].

Sports activity relies mostly on self-improvement and self-monitoring. There is the underpinning idea of competition: the best win and become champions— Citius, Altius, Fortius — Communis (Olympic Motto—Communis em 2021 [ 65 ]). The pursuit of things of value within a social setting (that include cooperation, rivalry, and competition) is important, and relates to the idea of a hierarchy. Hierarchies between people foster people to improve themselves so they can reach their goals and achievements. The idea of the champion is based on someone who is able to achieve something special; to do so, those who want to become champions must adopt the carpe diem ideal of using every day to improve him/herself (following a plan, with predefined goals). Although winning a game/competition is important, and athletes should focus their attention on it, and give their best to be successful, that game/competition is “just” one part of a much wider endeavor, that inevitably includes victories and losses, glory and frustration. This is a metaphor for life, and that is why winning each game is important but, at the same time, it is not. In the end, what might be important to teach children through sports is that the whole process, the whole sport life, is the most important, and to enhance the chances of being successful, one must learn how the world works, and how to play well with others.

Hierarchies result from the need to create a social organization, based on perceived value of their elements, that organize social relations. Hierarchies and power are frequently (and wrongly) associated with coercion and abuse. It is the misuse of power (abuse) that makes hierarchies non-functional: when elements arise from another factor rather than competence, then the hierarchy becomes tyrannical. The ideal of sports is to promote the best, based on their skills and competence, regardless their background, country, or any other factor that is not competence. Poor coaching perceives hierarchies wrongly, and tends to organize youth sport activities around two opposite poles: (1) flat hierarchies, and (2) win-at-all-costs mentality. Both approaches have flaws.

Flat hierarchies, considering that everyone wins despite their performance, are usually justified as a way to avoid negative feelings of frustration among youngsters, resulting from not being the best/champion. This approach is frequently fostered by those who consider competition a negative thing. We will try to explain why this approach is wrong.

First of all, if there is no competition, then we are not talking about sports. Competition is part of sports (and life in general). Avoiding competition is not a good strategy (especially in a long-term perspective) because it does not push children forward in order to pursue their goals. When this approach is undertaken, children see themselves as the Dodo Bird in Alice in Wonderland: despite their performance, everyone wins, and everyone has presents. When adults tell children that they win, no matter what they do (and their result), and that everything they do is always fantastic, children perceive their accomplishments as fake, and the judgement of adults as not reliable. This continued approach may contribute to the poor development of narcissism of narcissism, and the consequent feeling of not having real value. In these situations, children tend to remain in a pre-Oedipal state, not facing the social rules and personal limitations, and not being encouraged to expand their skills. The idea of keeping children in a non-confrontational ideal world does not allow them to grow up and accept their own (and others’) flaws and limitations. Here, it is important to have the role of the masculine, that helps to separate children from their protective mothers, and foster their endeavor to conquer unexplored territories.

Avoiding competition is a poor approach; however, the opposite pole of winning at all costs may not be the best option either. When adults teach children that winning at all costs is the thing to pursue, they are missing the point of the utility of sports. It is important to explain to children that the most important thing is to learn how to play the game. This does not mean that winning the game is not important, but it is more important to learn how to develop cooperation and to compete in the long term. The most important thing is to pursue this long-term goal (and sometimes to sacrifice short-term goals of winning the game) because the present competition is just a piece (and the beginning) of something bigger, longer, and more important.

Children should be trained not to necessarily win isolated games, but to improve their performance and become better, game after game (like in life). This idea is underpinned by the Olympic Motto and relates to the development of character or an attitude towards life, based on pursuing valuable things and playing well with others (in sports and life), which will increase the possibility of having success in life. To do so, sometimes one needs to sacrifice present satisfaction (winning now), and to progressively learn how to delay pleasure and build solid endeavors. By success, here, we refer to the improvement of relationships with others, by learning to metaphorically “play the game”, which will result in more positive relationships with peers, adults, and the whole community. To be successful is to learn to develop strategies to go well in life in the long term; to do so, children must identify themselves with role models not solely based on their skills, but mostly on their attitude towards sports and others.

Besides fostering active engagement over passivity, intense involvement in sports also provides a feeling of community and sense of identification [ 66 ]. According to Free [ 56 ], formally organized games and sports are reality-adapted play (post-Oedipal) that foster mutual identification between athletes, and observing rules is more significant than the victory itself. Peer relations become more and more important as children grow, peaking in adolescence, and engagement in sports can also play an important role here.

5. Conclusions

Sport activities include topics such as motor behavior (movement), unconscious motivation, conflict, and fantasy. In sports, youngsters find a way to express themselves; they allow them to confront their limitations while, at the same time, they have a huge potential for transcendence and improving resilience.

Considering the decrease in free and outdoor play in Western societies, sports become more and more important to provide meaning to child movement expressed through their bodies. Sports can be a powerful tool to foster human development. To do so, it is important to understand the relational dynamics of children, the quality of their attachments, and to know how to interpret the symbolic meaning of their behaviors. This humanistic approach to sports is the opposite of a considerable part of modern youth sports training, focused exclusively (and obsessively) on sports performance and competition. The obsession with sports performance among youngsters (as often happens at school) contributes for poor sport practices, and makes sports less fun for the athletes.

Despite the enormous potential of sports to foster child development, the quality of sport experience depends largely on the type of attachments and relationships established between the youngsters and other stakeholders in their sports environment: coach, peers, parents, club, and community. The active and continued engagement in sports fosters motor, social, and (healthier) psychological development, and should therefore be considered in youth education.

Funding Statement

This research received no external funding.

Author Contributions

Investigation, I.S.; data caution, C.N.; conception, M.N.; methods, A.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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• Sports and Games Essay

Introduction

No one can be mentally stable and strong if he or she is physically weak. Perhaps, this is a reason why all schools compulsorily include physical education among their academic and educational curriculum. As a part of our day-to-day lives, sports and games can help develop a fertile brain and ensure overall immunity and health. My parents always encourage me to actively participate in games and sports. While sports give me a break from everyday routine, my parents believe that it has more valuable benefits to offer.

Adding Spark in Life

Both indoor and outdoor sports are incredible sources of recreation. After a quick run in the field or a short chess session with my father, I feel very energetic and cheerful. It lessens the dullness that I feel after a long, hard day. And remaining mentally charged up does have some positive effects on my body. I have often found it easy to give more effort to my work with a happy heart.

Imparting Value

Playing sports regularly also helps to build a spirit of sportsmanship. It is a virtue essential to many more years to come. Also, it helps to be efficient in teamwork. When a group of the players is in the same game, the performance of each participant matters. The success largely depends on the joint effort and co-operation of the entire team. Any weak link or poor performance can negatively affect the game. Regular participation in sports also helps to build a sturdy physique and has a good sense of humour. Of course, regular participation helps to improve concentration, as well.

Staying Outdoor or Indoor?

After the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, I get a lesser chance to go out and play. The scarcity of big playing fields or parks in my locality is also another big problem. Yet, whenever I get the chance to play outside, it feels good. I get a chance to mix with several boys and girls in my age group. Also, I love the greenery there. It makes me feel very close to Mother Nature. Sometimes, we form small groups to play tiny cricket matches, ball games, and tug of war. Even small group games involved a lot of strategic thinking and teamwork. It helped a shy child like me to socialize better. At least, it gave me some quality time with my playmates.

I also love indoor games because they give me fast entertainment. They are also easily accessible. My room has a lot of board games for timepass. These include Ludo and monopoly. However, I also love mind games like chess and Sudoku. Besides, there are times when my mother allows me to play with her smartphone for a limited time. I have downloaded some interesting games there, as well.

What My Doctor Says

My family doctor strongly recommends that I go out and play. Even during the lockdown, he would ask me to get on the rooftop and do spot jogging or play handball with my family. As he puts it, our stay needs a little bit of sunshine daily. This helps the body to work perfectly. 

Going out with a bike or a balloon for an hour gives some really enjoyable exercising experience. Moreover, while outside, I have often discovered some new games to play alone or with friends. My friends called me innovative. This made me proud and confident about what I can do.

My Favourite Games

I don't have a single favourite game. While outside, I love climbing trees. Whenever I go to a new garden, a park, or any rural areas, I constantly look for new trees to climb. Also, I love playing roadside cricket with my friends. The cricket matches on the TV channels are a treat to watch. 

I also love group games that have some entertainment. For example, the good old hide-and-seek with variations. Sometimes we would count on 100, while sometimes on 10. We would also occasionally keep a home base to run as well as tag. Thus made it a safe spot. Sometimes, I just wait for my friends to find me out. Even when I am with my family, I love playing charades and chess.

The Importance of Sports and Games

Sport is an important segment in the academic as well as in our life. Every sport Each sport has its own set of benefits. Sports is also an excellent career choice. There are many advantages to playing sports and games. Here are some reasons as to why one should include sports and games in our daily life.

Being Physically Fit.

Sports and games help you be more active. When one plays sports regularly, the fatty molecules are used up and as a result, the chances of heart attack are reduced. Not only that, physical games are a natural healer for the body and mind. Playing seems more fun and also has the added benefit of being fit.

Sports Makes One Humble.

Playing sports comes with its own rules and regulations. It comes with ethics. Sports teaches us many life skills such as teamwork and honesty. These kinds of skills are important in life as well. Sports will help one grow mentally and stay more humble and conduct themselves in a good way in society.

Sports help in Developing the Emotional Intelligence

One might have noticed that players aren't afraid of losing the game, they just play. Sports teaches us that rejections, as well as defeats, are part of life. Also, one should not get carried away by the wins. It helps in the development of intuition. While the players must always guess the move of the opponent, the intuitive skills help us there. Sport teaches us to be emotionally intelligent.

Sports will help in being better in The Academics

The sports and games will help immensely in getting better at academics. It increases the concentration power, teaches us the importance of practising and so these skills will help in academics as well. One is always ready to take up any challenges in sports. In sports, one learns the importance of time management.

Sports help in Making New Friends

Team playing is a crucial part of any sport. It's helpful to meet new people and interact with them. Sharing ideas while playing and other added benefits. Interacting with new people will boost one's socializing skills. Not only does playing sports help you make new friends, but it also helps you make quality friendships as the people who play sports tend to be moral and idealistic.

Sports is an Amazing Stress Buster

Stress is caused by various factors. In the long term, it affects the health of the person. One must always keep their health in check. Not only recreation but sports is proven to reduce stress. Be it outdoor activities or indoor games, taking a break from studies will reduce stress and clear the mind. It is seen that healthy children have inculcated the habit of playing and engaging more in outdoor activities. 

Engaging in creative indoor activities will also have the same effect. For a short time, it will help in distracting the mind and engaging it in creative pursuits. Playing sports and being physically active helps ease the stressed mind.

Sports Enhances the Leadership Qualities

One is inspired to take up leadership in the school and other areas when sports becomes a part of life. Playing sports has such a positive effect on the overall personality of the person. It helps in being courageous and managing people. People who play sports regularly are always in one or the other leadership roles. 

Sports help in Being Disciplined

Disciplined people always have one thing in common, and that is sports. Playing sports regularly makes us organized and disciplined. Being a disciplined person not only helps in academics but also in other disciplines of life as well. A hard worker and a disciplined person are always respectable in society. Outdoor games like football and basketball are some of the games that will teach the importance of discipline. 

Indoor Games help in Building Creativity

Indoor games boost creativity in individuals. During an indoor game, the kids face a couple of problems that help them develop problem-solving skills. It encourages them to come up with creative ways to solve problems. One becomes more curious while playing indoor games and this will help explore our creativity. Chess will help in critical thinking and help to develop intuition and the logical side of the brain in children. Games like carrom, ludo etc help in finding creative ways to engage the mind.

Sports help in Experiencing New Things

With the help of varied indoor games, one can explore new concepts and ideas. Playing with others also helps in discussing ideas and this, in turn, enhances our imagination. These new experiences shape us into better individuals. Experiencing new things should always be given importance. With experiences, one learns new things, and learning should never stop.

FAQs on Sports and Games Essay

1. When is the National Sports day commemorated in India?

Since 2012, the ministry of youth affairs and sports of India's Government has marked August 29 as the national sports day. It is the date of birth of Sri Dhyan Chand Singh, the hockey wizard of India. The day serves as a reminder to cater to the needs of sports-related activities in everyone's life. The government also uses the occasion to launch its different sports-related schemes. For example, on this day, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, launched the Khelo India movement in 2018. Many sports-related awards are also distributed on this day.

2. What are the different Sports-related awards that the government Confers?

The main government awards in sports include:

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: It is the most honourable award in sports in the country.

Arjuna Award: The sports and youth affairs ministry confers the award to the sportsmen showing outstanding achievement in their respective fields.

Dhyan Chand Award: It is the lifetime achievement award for sportsmen.

Dronacharya Award: It is the award for outstanding coaches and mentors in sports.

3. What is SAI?

The Sports Authority in India or SAI is the central sports body. The government of India established it in 1982. It has its headquarter in New Delhi, along with many regional offices. The SAI regularly engages foreign experts and coaches, as well as national coaches, for better training. It also offers many promotional schemes for aspiring sportsmen. 

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Importance of Games and Sports: English Essay For Kids

admin July 27, 2021 Essays in English 3,028 Views

Importance of Games and Sports: [ Essay I ]

• Essay I – 584 words
• Essay II – 553 words
• Essay III – 330 words

Importance of Games and Sports: Play is one of the earliest developmental activities exhibited by children. Sports and games have come to be a part of our life at various stages. Beginning with the sports day at school to the IPL matches, the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, there is a little something for all of us when it comes to sports.

A sport can be defined as a physical activity involving a set of rules and often played for recreation, competition or self-enjoyment. Games on the other hand are activities that involve several players who follow certain rules to attain a set goal.

Games and Sports bring a package of benefits that make them very significant in our life at any given age.

• Develop physical strength : Engaging in any kind of physical sport like running or team sports like cricket help in building the physical strength of the player
• Maintain fitness and health : By building their physical strength, it enables maintenance of physical health and fitness
• Improve functioning of bodily systems : Physical fitness enhances the functioning of bodily organs
• Body flexibility : Sports and games make the body more flexible by giving sufficient exercise to the muscles
• Balance physical and mental growth : They can contribute to the balanced growth especially in growing children
• Improve strategic thinking : Team sports and other board games like chess improves strategic thinking ability of the individual
• Judgement and planning : It also improves the ability to make proper decisions, plan ahead and execute the plan
• Improve concentration and focus : Individuals who engage in sports are able to focus and concentrate better for longer periods of time
• Improve thought processes : By improving strategic thinking, decision making and planning, games and sports improve thought process in the player
• Speed in thinking : Sports and game increase speed in thinking by developing strategic thinking, decision making and planning skills
• Leadership qualities : They help in developing leadership skills that can be useful in other areas of life
• Build team spirit : Team sports build team spirit and feelings of belongingness in players
• Develop competitiveness : Engaging in games and sports builds a sense of competitiveness that can be healthy and effective in improving the performance of individuals in games as well as in other aspects of life
• Follow rules and regulations : Children who engage in sports and games are able to learn to follow rules and regulations
• Outlet for negative emotions : Sports and games that involve physical exertion are an excellent outlet for negative emotions like anger
• Channelize energy in productive ways : Like the case of negative emotions, sports are a means to channelize energy into productive means
• Perform better in academics : Engaging in games and sports, contrary to popular belief, enhances physical and mental abilities and improves performance in academics
• Be more productive at work : Engaging in physical activity makes one mentally more competent and productive at work
• Recreation and relaxation : They are a means to relaxation as a hobby that can have a variety of other benefits for the individual
• Improve quality of life : Engaging in sports and games can improve the overall quality of life by improving other areas of life

Physical activity helps in both us to stay physically and psychologically healthy. The benefits from playing sports and games can differ across the variety of them. Some of them may help sharpen our mental skills while other might help us develop our physical fitness. Not everyone is excellent in sports or at a game but being a part of one gives a transformative experience that can teach us valuable lessons.

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Importance of Sports and Games

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Essay on Importance of Games

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Games in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Importance of Games

Introduction.

Games are a crucial part of our lives. They instill values, promote health, and provide entertainment.

Health Benefits

Games improve our physical health. They promote strength, agility, and endurance, keeping us fit and active.

Developing Skills

They also develop our skills. Team games teach us cooperation, while strategy games improve our problem-solving abilities.

Social Interaction

Games encourage social interaction. They help us make friends and learn to work as a team.

Also check:

250 Words Essay on Importance of Games

The essence of games.

Games, both physical and digital, play a pivotal role in the holistic development of individuals. They serve as a powerful tool, fostering psychological growth, enhancing physical fitness, and nurturing social skills.

Psychological Development

Games stimulate cognitive abilities, promoting analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. For example, strategy-based games, such as chess or Risk, demand players to anticipate opponents’ moves and plan their own. This helps in improving critical thinking and strategic planning skills.

Physical Fitness

Physical games like football, basketball, or tennis, contribute significantly to maintaining health and fitness. They enhance stamina, agility, and coordination, and teach the importance of discipline and teamwork. In an era where sedentary lifestyle diseases are on the rise, games act as a countermeasure, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Social Skills

Games are social constructs that encourage interaction and cooperation. They instill a sense of camaraderie, helping individuals to develop empathy, communication skills, and a spirit of healthy competition. Multiplayer games, for instance, require players to strategize and communicate effectively with their teammates.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Games

Games, in their many forms, have been a central part of human culture throughout history. They are a universal language that transcends age, culture, and geography, uniting people through shared experiences. The importance of games cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in physical, mental, and social development. They are not just a source of fun and entertainment, but also a means of learning and personal growth.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits

Physically engaging games, such as sports, are a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They promote physical fitness, improve coordination, and enhance motor skills. Participating in games can also help in managing weight, reducing the risk of obesity, and promoting cardiovascular health.

Social and Emotional Development

Games are also instrumental in social and emotional development. They foster a sense of community and teamwork, as players often need to collaborate to achieve a common goal. This interaction helps in developing communication skills, understanding social cues, and building empathy.

Additionally, games provide a safe space to experience and manage emotions. Winning and losing are part of every game, teaching players to handle success with humility and defeat with grace. This emotional resilience is a crucial life skill that extends beyond the game.

Educational Value

In conclusion, games are an integral part of human life. They are not just pastimes, but platforms for learning, growth, and development. They contribute to physical and mental health, foster social and emotional development, and have significant educational value. As society evolves, so do games, reflecting our changing interests, values, and technologies. The importance of games, therefore, lies not only in their inherent entertainment value but also in their ability to promote well-rounded development and foster a sense of community.

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• Volume 58, Issue 17
• Where is the research on sport-related concussion in Olympic athletes? A descriptive report and assessment of the impact of access to multidisciplinary care on recovery
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• http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3298-5719 Thomas Romeas 1 , 2 , 3 ,
• http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1748-7241 Félix Croteau 3 , 4 , 5 ,
• Suzanne Leclerc 3 , 4
• 1 Sport Sciences , Institut national du sport du Québec , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
• 2 School of Optometry , Université de Montréal , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
• 3 IOC Research Centre for Injury Prevention and Protection of Athlete Health , Réseau Francophone Olympique de la Recherche en Médecine du Sport , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
• 4 Sport Medicine , Institut national du sport du Québec , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
• 5 School of Physical and Occupational Therapy , McGill University , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
• Correspondence to Dr Thomas Romeas; thomas.romeas{at}umontreal.ca

Objectives This cohort study reported descriptive statistics in athletes engaged in Summer and Winter Olympic sports who sustained a sport-related concussion (SRC) and assessed the impact of access to multidisciplinary care and injury modifiers on recovery.

Methods 133 athletes formed two subgroups treated in a Canadian sport institute medical clinic: earlier (≤7 days) and late (≥8 days) access. Descriptive sample characteristics were reported and unrestricted return to sport (RTS) was evaluated based on access groups as well as injury modifiers. Correlations were assessed between time to RTS, history of concussions, the number of specialist consults and initial symptoms.

Results 160 SRC (median age 19.1 years; female=86 (54%); male=74 (46%)) were observed with a median (IQR) RTS duration of 34.0 (21.0–63.0) days. Median days to care access was different in the early (1; n SRC =77) and late (20; n SRC =83) groups, resulting in median (IQR) RTS duration of 26.0 (17.0–38.5) and 45.0 (27.5–84.5) days, respectively (p<0.001). Initial symptoms displayed a meaningful correlation with prognosis in this study (p<0.05), and female athletes (52 days (95% CI 42 to 101)) had longer recovery trajectories than male athletes (39 days (95% CI 31 to 65)) in the late access group (p<0.05).

Conclusions Olympic athletes in this cohort experienced an RTS time frame of about a month, partly due to limited access to multidisciplinary care and resources. Earlier access to care shortened the RTS delay. Greater initial symptoms and female sex in the late access group were meaningful modifiers of a longer RTS.

• Brain Concussion
• Cohort Studies
• Retrospective Studies

Data availability statement

Data are available on reasonable request. Due to the confidential nature of the dataset, it will be shared through a controlled access repository and made available on specific and reasonable requests.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108211

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WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC

Most data regarding the impact of sport-related concussion (SRC) guidelines on return to sport (RTS) are derived from collegiate or recreational athletes. In these groups, time to RTS has steadily increased in the literature since 2005, coinciding with the evolution of RTS guidelines. However, current evidence suggests that earlier access to care may accelerate recovery and RTS time frames.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

This study reports epidemiological data on the occurrence of SRC in athletes from several Summer and Winter Olympic sports with either early or late access to multidisciplinary care. We found the median time to RTS for Olympic athletes with an SRC was 34.0 days which is longer than that reported in other athletic groups such as professional or collegiate athletes. Time to RTS was reduced by prompt access to multidisciplinary care following SRC, and sex-influenced recovery in the late access group with female athletes having a longer RTS timeline. Greater initial symptoms, but not prior concussion history, were also associated with a longer time to RTS.

HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH, PRACTICE OR POLICY

Considerable differences exist in access to care for athletes engaged in Olympic sports, which impact their recovery. In this cohort, several concussions occurred during international competitions where athletes are confronted with poor access to organised healthcare. Pathways for prompt access to multidisciplinary care should be considered by healthcare authorities, especially for athletes who travel internationally and may not have the guidance or financial resources to access recommended care.

Introduction

After two decades of consensus statements, sport-related concussion (SRC) remains a high focus of research, with incidence ranging from 0.1 to 21.5 SRC per 1000 athlete exposures, varying according to age, sex, sport and level of competition. 1 2 Evidence-based guidelines have been proposed by experts to improve its identification and management, such as those from the Concussion in Sport Group. 3 Notably, they recommend specific strategies to improve SRC detection and monitoring such as immediate removal, 4 prompt access to healthcare providers, 5 evidence-based interventions 6 and multidisciplinary team approaches. 7 It is believed that these guidelines contribute to improving the early identification and management of athletes with an SRC, thereby potentially mitigating its long-term consequences.

Nevertheless, evidence regarding the impact of SRC guidelines implementation remains remarkably limited, especially within high-performance sport domains. In fact, most reported SRC data focus on adolescent student-athletes, collegiate and sometimes professional athletes in the USA but often neglect Olympians. 1 2 8–11 Athletes engaged in Olympic sports, often referred to as elite amateurs, are typically classified among the highest performers in elite sport, alongside professional athletes. 12 13 They train year-round and uniquely compete regularly on the international stage in sports that often lack professional leagues and rely on highly variable resources and facilities, mostly dependent on winning medals. 14 Unlike professional athletes, Olympians do not have access to large financial rewards. Although some Olympians work or study in addition to their intensive sports practice, they can devote more time to full-time sports practice compared with collegiate athletes. Competition calendars in Olympians differ from collegiate athletes, with periodic international competitions (eg, World Cups, World Championships) throughout the whole year rather than regular domestic competitions within a shorter season (eg, semester). Olympians outclass most collegiate athletes, and only the best collegiate athletes will have the chance to become Olympians and/or professionals. 12 13 15 In Canada, a primary reason for limited SRC data in Olympic sports is that the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sports Institute (COPSI) network only adopted official guidelines in 2018 to standardise care for athletes’ SRC nationwide. 16 17 The second reason could be the absence of a centralised medical structure and surveillance systems, identified as key factors contributing to the under-reporting and underdiagnosis of athletes with an SRC. 18

Among the available evidence on the evolution of SRC management, a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis in athletic populations including children, adolescents and adults indicated that a full return to sport (RTS) could take up to a month but is estimated to require 19.8 days on average (15.4 days in adults), as opposed to the initial expectation of approximately 10.0 days based on studies published prior to 2005. 19 In comparison, studies focusing strictly on American collegiate athletes report median times to RTS of 16 days. 9 20 21 Notably, a recent study of military cadets reported an even longer return to duty times of 29.4 days on average, attributed to poorer access to care and fewer incentives to return to play compared with elite sports. 22 In addition, several modifiers have also been identified as influencing the time to RTS, such as the history of concussions, type of sport, sex, past medical problems (eg, preinjury modifiers), as well as the initial number of symptoms and their severity (eg, postinjury modifiers). 20 22 The evidence regarding the potential influence of sex on the time to RTS has yielded mixed findings in this area. 23–25 In fact, females are typically under-represented in SRC research, highlighting the need for additional studies that incorporate more balanced sample representation across sexes and control for known sources of bias. 26 Interestingly, a recent Concussion Assessment, Research and Education Consortium study, which included a high representation of concussed female athletes (615 out of 1071 patients), revealed no meaningful differences in RTS between females and males (13.5 and 11.8 days, respectively). 27 Importantly, findings in the sporting population suggested that earlier initiation of clinical care is linked to shorter recovery after concussion. 5 28 However, these factors affecting the time to RTS require a more thorough investigation, especially among athletes engaged in Olympic sports who may or may not have equal access to prompt, high-quality care.

Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to provide descriptive statistics among athletes with SRC engaged in both Summer and Winter Olympic sport programmes over a quadrennial, and to assess the influence of recommended guidelines of the COPSI network and the fifth International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport on the duration of RTS performance. 16 17 Building on available evidence, the international schedule constraints, variability in resources 14 and high-performance expectation among this elite population, 22 prolonged durations for RTS, compared with what is typically reported (eg, 16.0 or 15.4 days), were hypothesised in Olympians. 3 19 The secondary objective was to more specifically evaluate the impact of access to multidisciplinary care and injury modifiers on the time to RTS. Based on current evidence, 5 7 29 30 the hypothesis was formulated that athletes with earlier multidisciplinary access would experience a faster RTS. Regarding injury modifiers, it was expected that female and male athletes would show similar time to RTS despite presenting sex-specific characteristics of SRC. 31 The history of concussions, the severity of initial symptoms and the number of specialist consults were expected to be positively correlated to the time to RTS. 20 32

Participants

A total of 133 athletes (F=72; M=61; mean age±SD: 20.7±4.9 years old) who received medical care at the Institut national du sport du Québec, a COPSI training centre set up with a medical clinic, were included in this cohort study with retrospective analysis. They participated in 23 different Summer and Winter Olympic sports which were classified into six categories: team (soccer, water polo), middle distance/power (rowing, swimming), speed/strength (alpine skiing, para alpine skiing, short and long track speed skating), precision/skill-dependent (artistic swimming, diving, equestrian, figure skating, gymnastics, skateboard, synchronised skating, trampoline) and combat/weight-making (boxing, fencing, judo, para judo, karate, para taekwondo, wrestling) sports. 13 This sample consists of two distinct groups: (1) early access group in which athletes had access to a medical integrated support team of multidisciplinary experts within 7 days following their SRC and (2) late access group composed of athletes who had access to a medical integrated support team of multidisciplinary experts eight or more days following their SRC. 5 30 Inclusion criteria for the study were participation in a national or international-level sports programme 13 and having sustained at least one SRC diagnosed by an authorised healthcare practitioner (eg, physician and/or physiotherapist).

Clinical context

The institute clinic provides multidisciplinary services for care of patients with SRC including a broad range of recommended tests for concussion monitoring ( table 1 ). The typical pathway for the athletes consisted of an initial visit to either a sports medicine physician or their team sports therapist. A clinical diagnosis of SRC was then confirmed by a sports medicine physician, and referral for the required multidisciplinary assessments ensued based on the patient’s signs and symptoms. Rehabilitation progression was based on the evaluation of exercise tolerance, 33 priority to return to cognitive tasks and additional targeted support based on clinical findings of a cervical, visual or vestibular nature. 17 The expert team worked in an integrated manner with the athlete and their coaching staff for the rehabilitation phase, including regular round tables and ongoing communication. 34 For some athletes, access to recommended care was fee based, without a priori agreements with a third party payer (eg, National Sports Federation).

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Main evaluations performed to guide the return to sport following sport-related concussion

Data collection

Data were collected at the medical clinic using a standardised injury surveillance form based on International Olympic Committee guidelines. 35 All injury characteristics were extracted from the central injury database between 1 July 2018 and 31 July 2022. This period corresponds to a Winter Olympic sports quadrennial but also covers 3 years for Summer Olympic sports due to the postponing of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Therefore, the observation period includes a typical volume of competitions across sports and minimises differences in exposure based on major sports competition schedules. The information extracted from the database included: participant ID, sex, date of birth, sport, date of injury, type of injury, date of their visit at the clinic, clearance date of unrestricted RTS (eg, defined as step 6 of the RTS strategy with a return to normal gameplay including competitions), the number and type of specialist consults, mechanism of injury (eg, fall, hit), environment where the injury took place (eg, training, competition), history of concussions, history of modifiers (eg, previous head injury, migraines, learning disability, attention deficit disorder or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, psychotic disorder), as well as the number of symptoms and the total severity score from the first Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) assessment following SRC. 17

Following a Shapiro-Wilk test, medians, IQR and non-parametric tests were used for the analyses because of the absence of normal distributions for all the variables in the dataset (all p<0.001). The skewness was introduced by the presence of individuals that required lengthy recovery periods. One participant was removed from the analysis because their time to consult with the multidisciplinary team was extremely delayed (>1 year).

Descriptive statistics were used to describe the participant’s demographics, SRC characteristics and risk factors in the total sample. Estimated incidences of SRC were also reported for seven resident sports at the institute for which it was possible to quantify a detailed estimate of training volume based on the annual number of training and competition hours as well as the number of athletes in each sport.

To assess if access to multidisciplinary care modified the time to RTS, we compared time to RTS between early and late access groups using a method based on median differences described elsewhere. 36 Wilcoxon rank sum tests were also performed to make between-group comparisons on single variables of age, time to first consult, the number of specialists consulted and medical visits. Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare count data between groups on variables of sex, history of concussion, time since the previous concussion, presence of injury modifiers, environment and mechanism of injury. Bonferroni corrections were applied for multiple comparisons in case of meaningful differences.

To assess if injury modifiers modified time to RTS in the total sample, we compared time to RTS between sexes, history of concussions, time since previous concussion or other injury modifiers using a method based on median differences described elsewhere. 36 Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn to illustrate time to RTS differences between sexes (origin and start time: date of injury; end time: clearance date of unrestricted RTS). Trajectories were then assessed for statistical differences using Cox proportional hazards model. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were employed for comparing the total number of symptoms and severity scores on the SCAT5. The association of multilevel variables on return to play duration was evaluated in the total sample with Kruskal-Wallis rank tests for environment, mechanism of injury, history of concussions and time since previous concussion. For all subsequent analyses of correlations between SCAT5 results and secondary variables, only data obtained from SCAT5 assessments within the acute phase of injury (≤72 hours) were considered (n=65 SRC episodes in the early access group). 37 Spearman rank correlations were estimated between RTS duration, history of concussions, number of specialist consults and total number of SCAT5 symptoms or total symptom severity. All statistical tests were performed using RStudio (R V.4.1.0, The R Foundation for Statistical Computing). The significance level was set to p<0.05.

Equity, diversity and inclusion statement

The study population is representative of the Canadian athletic population in terms of age, gender, demographics and includes a balanced representation of female and male athletes. The study team consists of investigators from different disciplines and countries, but with a predominantly white composition and under-representation of other ethnic groups. Our study population encompasses data from the Institut national du sport du Québec, covering individuals of all genders, ethnicities and geographical regions across Canada.

Patient and public involvement

The patients or the public were not involved in the design, conduct, reporting or dissemination plans of our research.

Sample characteristics

During the 4-year period covered by this retrospective chart review, a total of 160 SRC episodes were recorded in 132 athletes with a median (IQR) age of 19.1 (17.8–22.2) years old ( table 2 ). 13 female and 10 male athletes had multiple SRC episodes during this time. The sample had a relatively balanced number of females (53.8%) and males (46.2%) with SRC included. 60% of the sample reported a history of concussion, with 35.0% reporting having experienced more than two episodes. However, most of these concussions had occurred more than 1 year before the SRC for which they were being treated. Within this sample, 33.1% of participants reported a history of injury modifiers. Importantly, the median (IQR) time to first clinic consult was 10.0 (1.0–20.0) days and the median (IQR) time to RTS was 34.0 (21.0–63.0) days in this sample ( table 3 ). The majority of SRCs occurred during training (56.3%) rather than competition (33.1%) and were mainly due to a fall (63.7%) or a hit (31.3%). The median (IQR) number of follow-up consultations and specialists consulted after the SRC were, respectively, 9 (5.0–14.3) and 3 (2.0–4.0).

Participants demographics

Sport-related concussion characteristics

Among seven sports of the total sample (n=89 SRC), the estimated incidence of athletes with SRC was highest in short-track speed skating (0.47/1000 hours; 95% CI 0.3 to 0.6), and lower in boxing, trampoline, water polo, judo, artistic swimming, and diving (0.24 (95% CI 0.0 to 0.5), 0.16 (95% CI 0.0 to 0.5), 0.13 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.2), 0.11 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.2), 0.09 (95% CI 0.0 to 0.2) and 0.06 (95% CI 0.0 to 0.1)/1000, respectively ( online supplemental material ). Furthermore, most athletes sustained an SRC in training (66.5%; 95% CI 41.0 to 92.0) rather than competition (26.0%; 95% CI 0.0 to 55.0) except for judo athletes (20.0% (95% CI 4.1 to 62.0) and 80.0% (95% CI 38.0 to 96.0), respectively). Falls were the most common injury mechanism in speed skating, trampoline and judo while hits were the most common injury mechanism in boxing, water polo, artistic swimming and diving.

Supplemental material

Access to care.

The median difference in time to RTS was 19 days (95% CI 9.3 to 28.7; p<0.001) between the early (26 (IQR 17.0–38.5) days) and late (45 (IQR 27.5–84.5) days) access groups ( table 3 ; figure 1 ). Importantly, the distribution of SRC environments was different between both groups (p=0.008). The post hoc analysis demonstrated a meaningful difference in the distribution of SRC in training and competition environments between groups (p=0.029) but not for the other comparisons. There was a meaningful difference between the groups in time to first consult (p<0.001; 95% CI −23.0 to −15.0), but no meaningful differences between groups in median age (p=0.176; 95% CI −0.3 to 1.6), sex distribution (p=0.341; 95% CI 0.7 to 2.8), concussion history (p=0.210), time since last concussion (p=0.866), mechanisms of SRC (p=0.412), the presence of modifiers (p=0.313; 95% CI 0.3 to 1.4) and the number of consulted specialists (p=0.368; 95% CI −5.4 to 1.0) or medical visits (p=0.162; 95% CI −1.0 to 3.0).

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Time to return to sport following sport-related concussion as a function of group’s access to care and sex. Outliers: below=Q1−1.5×IQR; above=Q3+1.5×IQR.

The median difference in time to RTS was 6.5 days (95% CI −19.3 to 5.3; p=0.263; figure 1 ) between female (37.5 (IQR 22.0–65.3) days) and male (31.0 (IQR 20.0–48.0) days) athletes. Survival analyses highlighted an increased hazard of longer recovery trajectory in female compared with male athletes (HR 1.4; 95% CI 1.4 to 0.7; p=0.052; figure 2A ), which was mainly driven by the late (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1.8 to 0.6; p=0.019; figure 2C ) rather than the early (HR 1.1; 95% CI 1.1 to 0.9; p=0.700; figure 2B ) access group. Interestingly, a greater number of female athletes (n=15) required longer than 100 days for RTS as opposed to the male athletes (n=6). There were no meaningful differences between sexes for the total number of symptoms recorded on the SCAT5 (p=0.539; 95% CI −1.0 to 2.0) nor the total symptoms total severity score (p=0.989; 95% CI −5.0 to 5.0).

Time analysis of sex differences in the time to return to sport following sport-related concussion in the (A) total sample, as well as (B) early, and (C) late groups using survival curves with 95% confidence bands and tables of time-specific number of patients at risk (censoring proportion: 0%).

History of modifiers

SRC modifiers are presented in table 2 , and their influence on RTP is shown in table 4 . The median difference in time to RTS was 1.5 days (95% CI −10.6 to 13.6; p=0.807) between athletes with none and one episode of previous concussion, was 3.5 days (95% CI −13.9 to 19.9; p=0.728) between athletes with none and two or more episodes of previous concussion, and was 2 days (95% CI −12.4 to 15.4; p=0.832) between athletes with one and two or more episodes of previous concussion. The history of concussions (none, one, two or more) had no meaningful impact on the time to RTS (p=0.471). The median difference in time to RTS was 4.5 days (95% CI −21.0 to 30.0; p=0.729) between athletes with none and one episode of concussion in the previous year, was 2 days (95% CI −10.0 to 14.0; p=0.744) between athletes with none and one episode of concussion more than 1 year ago, and was 2.5 days (95% CI −27.7 to 22.7; p=0.846) between athletes with an episode of concussion in the previous year and more than 1 year ago. Time since the most recent concussion did not change the time to RTS (p=0.740). The longest time to RTS was observed in the late access group in which athletes had a concussion in the previous year, with a very large spread of durations (65.0 (IQR 33.0–116.5) days). The median difference in time to RTS was 3 days (95% CI −13.1 to 7.1; p=0.561) between athletes with and without other injury modifiers. The history of other injury modifiers had no meaningful influence on the time to RTS (95% CI −6.0 to 11.0; p=0.579).

Preinjury modifiers of time to return to sport following SRC

SCAT5 symptoms and severity scores

Positive associations were observed between the time to RTS and the number of initial symptoms (r=0.3; p=0.010; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.5) or initial severity score (r=0.3; p=0.008; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.5) from the SCAT5. The associations were not meaningful between the number of specialist consultations and the initial number of symptoms (r=−0.1; p=0.633; 95% CI −0.3 to 0.2) or initial severity score (r=−0.1; p=0.432; 95% CI −0.3 to 0.2). Anecdotally, most reported symptoms following SRC were ‘headache’ (86.2%) and ‘pressure in the head’ (80.0%), followed by ‘fatigue’ (72.3%), ‘neck pain’ (70.8%) and ‘not feeling right’ (67.7%; online supplemental material ).

This study is the first to report descriptive data on athletes with SRC collected across several sports during an Olympic quadrennial, including athletes who received the most recent evidence-based care at the time of data collection. Primarily, results indicate that the time to RTS in athletes engaged in Summer and Winter Olympic sports may require a median (IQR) of 34.0 (21.0–63.0) days. Importantly, findings demonstrated that athletes with earlier (≤7 days) access to multidisciplinary concussion care showed faster RTS compared with those with late access. Time to RTS exhibited large variability where sex had a meaningful influence on the recovery pathway in the late access group. Initial symptoms, but not history of concussion, were correlated with prognosis in this sample. The main reported symptoms were consistent with previous studies. 38 39

Time to RTS in Olympic sports

This study provides descriptive data on the impact of SRC monitoring programmes on recovery in elite athletes engaged in Olympic sports. As hypothesised, the median time to RTS found in this study (eg, 34.0 days) was about three times longer than those found in reports from before 2005, and 2 weeks longer than the typical median values (eg, 19.8 days) recently reported in athletic levels including youth (high heterogeneity, I 2 =99.3%). 19 These durations were also twice as long as the median unrestricted time to RTS observed among American collegiate athletes, which averages around 16 days. 9 20 21 However, they were more closely aligned with findings from collegiate athletes with slow recovery (eg, 34.7 days) and evidence from military cadets with poor access where return to duty duration was 29.4 days. 8 22 Several reasons could explain such extended time to RTS, but the most likely seems to be related to the diversity in access among these sports to multidisciplinary services (eg, 10.0 median days (1–20)), well beyond the delays experienced by collegiate athletes, for example (eg, 0.0 median days (0–2)). 40 In the total sample, the delays to first consult with the multidisciplinary clinic were notably mediated by the group with late access, whose athletes had more SRC during international competition. One of the issues for athletes engaged in Olympic sports is that they travel abroad year-round for competitions, in contrast with collegiate athletes who compete domestically. These circumstances likely make access to quality care very variable and make the follow-up of care less centralised. Also, access to resources among these sports is highly variable (eg, medal-dependant), 14 and at the discretion of the sport’s leadership (eg, sport federation), who may decide to prioritise more or fewer resources to concussion management considering the relatively low incidence of this injury. Another explanation for the longer recovery times in these athletes could be the lack of financial incentives to return to play faster, which are less prevalent among Olympic sports compared with professionals. However, the stakes of performance and return to play are still very high among these athletes.

Additionally, it is plausible that studies vary their outcome with shifting operational definitions such as resolution of symptoms, return to activities, graduated return to play or unrestricted RTS. 19 40 It is understood that resolution of symptoms may occur much earlier than return to preinjury performance levels. Finally, an aspect that has been little studied to date is the influence of the sport’s demands on the RTS. For example, acrobatic sports requiring precision/technical skills such as figure skating, trampoline and diving, which involve high visuospatial and vestibular demands, 41 might require more time to recover or elicit symptoms for longer times. Anecdotally, athletes who experienced a long time to RTS (>100 days) were mostly from precision/skill-dependent sports in this sample. The sports demand should be further considered as an injury modifier. More epidemiological reports that consider the latest guidelines are therefore necessary to gain a better understanding of the true time to RTS and impact following SRC in Olympians.

Supporting early multidisciplinary access to care

In this study, athletes who obtained early access to multidisciplinary care after SRC recovered faster than those with late access to multidisciplinary care. This result aligns with findings showing that delayed access to a healthcare practitioner delays recovery, 19 including previous evidence in a sample of patients from a sports medicine clinic (ages 12–22), indicating that the group with a delayed first clinical visit (eg, 8–20 days) was associated with a 5.8 times increased likelihood of a recovery longer than 30 days. 5 Prompt multidisciplinary approach for patients with SRC is suggested to yield greater effectiveness over usual care, 3 6 17 which is currently evaluated under randomised controlled trial. 42 Notably, early physical exercise and prescribed exercise (eg, 48 hours postinjury) are effective in improving recovery compared with strict rest or stretching. 43 44 In fact, preclinical and clinical studies have shown that exercise has the potential to improve neurotransmission, neuroplasticity and cerebral blood flow which supports that the physically trained brain enhanced recovery. 45 46 Prompt access to specialised healthcare professionals can be challenging in some contexts (eg, during international travel), and the cost of accessing medical care privately may prove further prohibitive. This barrier to recovery should be a priority for stakeholders in Olympic sports and given more consideration by health authorities.

Estimated incidences and implications

The estimated incidences of SRC were in the lower range compared with what is reported in other elite sport populations. 1 2 However, the burden of injury remained high for these sports, and the financial resources as well as expertise required to facilitate athletes’ rehabilitation was considerable (median number of consultations: 9.0). Notably, the current standard of public healthcare in Canada does not subsidise the level of support recommended following SRC as first-line care, and the financial subsidisation of this recommended care within each federation is highly dependent on the available funding, varying significantly between sports. 14 Therefore, the ongoing efforts to improve education, prevention and early recognition, modification of rules to make the environments safer and multidisciplinary care access for athletes remain crucial. 7

Strength and limitations

This unique study provides multisport characteristics following the evolution of concussion guidelines in Summer and Winter Olympic sports in North America. Notably, it features a balance between the number of female and male athletes, allowing the analysis of sex differences. 23 26 In a previous review of 171 studies informing consensus statements, samples were mostly composed of more than 80% of male participants, and more than 40% of these studies did not include female participants at all. 26 This study also included multiple non-traditional sports typically not encompassed in SRC research, feature previously identified as a key requirement of future epidemiological research. 47

However, it must be acknowledged that potential confounding factors could influence the results. For example, the number of SRC detected during the study period does not account for potentially unreported concussions. Nevertheless, this figure should be minimal because these athletes are supervised both in training and in competition by medical staff. Next, the sport types were heterogeneous, with inconsistent risk for head impacts or inconsistent sport demand which might have an influence on recovery. Furthermore, the number of participants or sex in each sport was not evenly distributed, with short-track speed skaters representing a large portion of the overall sample (32.5%), for example. Additionally, the number of participants with specific modifiers was too small in the current sample to conclude whether the presence of precise characteristics (eg, history of concussion) impacted the time to RTS. Also, the group with late access was more likely to consist of athletes who sought specialised care for persistent symptoms. These complex cases are often expected to require additional time to recover. 48 Furthermore, athletes in the late group may have sought support outside of the institute medical clinic, without a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. Therefore, the estimation of clinical consultations was tentative for this group and may represent a potential confounding factor in this study.

This is the first study to provide evidence of the prevalence of athletes with SRC and modifiers of recovery in both female and male elite-level athletes across a variety of Summer and Winter Olympic sports. There was a high variability in access to care in this group, and the median (IQR) time to RTS following SRC was 34.0 (21.0–63.0) days. Athletes with earlier access to multidisciplinary care took nearly half the time to RTS compared with those with late access. Sex had a meaningful influence on the recovery pathway in the late access group. Initial symptom number and severity score but not history of concussion were meaningful modifiers of recovery. Injury surveillance programmes targeting national sport organisations should be prioritised to help evaluate the efficacy of recommended injury monitoring programmes and to help athletes engaged in Olympic sports who travel a lot internationally have better access to care. 35 49

Ethics statements

Patient consent for publication.

Not applicable.

Ethics approval

This study involves human participants and was approved by the ethics board of Université de Montréal (certificate #2023-4052). Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the members of the concussion interdisciplinary clinic of the Institut national du sport du Québec for collecting the data and for their unconditional support to the athletes.

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Supplementary materials

Supplementary data.

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• Data supplement 1

X @ThomasRomeas

Correction notice This article has been corrected since it published Online First. The ORCID details have been added for Dr Croteau.

Contributors TR, FC and SL were involved in planning, conducting and reporting the work. François Bieuzen and Magdalena Wojtowicz critically reviewed the manuscript. TR is guarantor.

Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Competing interests None declared.

Patient and public involvement Patients and/or the public were not involved in the design, or conduct, or reporting, or dissemination plans of this research.

Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

Supplemental material This content has been supplied by the author(s). It has not been vetted by BMJ Publishing Group Limited (BMJ) and may not have been peer-reviewed. Any opinions or recommendations discussed are solely those of the author(s) and are not endorsed by BMJ. BMJ disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the content. Where the content includes any translated material, BMJ does not warrant the accuracy and reliability of the translations (including but not limited to local regulations, clinical guidelines, terminology, drug names and drug dosages), and is not responsible for any error and/or omissions arising from translation and adaptation or otherwise.

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