John Smith
Mrs. Mayfield
English 11
6 April 2006
Organized Sports are Beneficial
All young people find it hard to juggle the everyday demands of adolescences.
Very often young people have a great deal of leisure time. This time is used for many
types of activities. Some of these activities, however, are more worthwhile than others.
Perhaps one of the more advantageous pastimes is participation in organized athletics.
There are many benefits derived through involvement in sports. Participation in
organized athletics improves the physical, social, and personal development of the
participants.
Participation in organized athletics is one way of helping teenagers develop
physical fitness. Students who are in good physical shape are less likely to develop
serious illnesses than those who abuse their bodies (Swift 34). Regular and continuous
exercise increases physical strength and cardiovascular efficiency. Furthermore,
participation in sports helps develop lifelong habits, which encourage physical fitness.
Students who are physically active are likely to become physically active adults (Turner
21). In addition, being fit helps to promote positive self-images for athletes. When teens
are physically fit, they are apt to be pleased with their physical appearance and thus
happier with themselves (Teens in Sports). Overall, physical fitness is a positives
outgrowth of organized sports.
Even more important than physical development, sports encourage social
development. Athletes usually form close friendships with fellow athletes. These
friendships can continue throughout lifetimes. In many cases, athletes are more likely to
avoid undesirable activities such as drinking or the taking of illegal drugs (Turner 54).
Identifying with a positive peer group is a significant outgrowth of playing sports. Also,
excelling in athletics creates pride (Teens in Sports). Athletes can be proud of their
accomplishments, and recognition for their achievements helps improve their attitudes
toward adults. In many cases, teenagers react more favorable to their coaches than they
do to their teachers or parents (Turner 33). Being able to interact in a positive manner
with the adult world is just one of the many ways that participation in sports can have
positive effects on the social life of athletes.
Social and physical developments are very significant benefits experienced from
participation in sports. Even more crucial, however, is personal development because
cooperation and teamwork are demonstrated in many athletic activities. Athletes must
often place their personal goals secondary to the team’s goals (Swift 22). This attitude is
essential to future success in life. In addition, sports often demonstrate the value of hard
work. Often times, students must exert tremendous amounts of effort if they wish to
excel in athletics (Swift 61). Certainly, this attitude is necessary if they want to succeed
in today’s competitive society. Also, through sports, children are exposed directly to
competition. How people cope with both winning and losing is important to future
situations in life (Teens in Sports). Overall, there are many positive personal values
which sports encourage.
The physical, social, and moral aspects of teenagers’ lives benefit from
participation in athletics. Athletic participation not only improves health and well being,
but also promotes values essential for future success in life. Setting goals, both team
goals and personal goals, is something all young people should experience. In addition,
the friendships and sense of teamwork derived through athletics is beneficial. In many
ways, the playing of sports is the most beneficial activity for teens. Although teenagers
must find their own means for enriching their lives, sports are definitely a positive way of
achieving this goal.
Works Cited
Swift, Timothy. Athletics and Teens. New York: Random House Publishing, 2002.
“Teens in Sports.” 02/24/2001. 25 Mar 2004. <www.sportsarecool.com>.
Turner, Kimberly. The Beneficial Aspects of Athletics. London: Penguin Publishing
House, 2003.