Farhan and Massimo race in the 100m sprint. (Photo Courtesy of Bishkek International School)
Sports Day is a chance for students to compete, have fun, and get a good workout.
By: Allan Akholms
“The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
For a long time now, most have been aware of the health benefits that physical activity has on people, such benefits include weight control, improved cardiovascular health, improved muscular strength and endurance, and so much more. There is a very clear line between the people who do sports and those who don’t, there are countless differences between these people in terms of physical health. While those who do sports even in the most casual way on average have a reduced risk of sicknesses, diseases, or getting seriously injured, those who don’t do sports at all can be seen as more prone to diseases, tend to have a weaker immune system and have a higher chance of getting injured. Sports day is designed to not only remind people of the importance of taking care of their bodies but also to give people the opportunity to do physical activity in a fun and enjoyable way.
By making physical activity fun and enjoyable there are more than just physical health benefits but also mental health benefits. Exercise reduces the levels of stress hormones in your body, so by doing a few or even just one activity on sports day you free up your mind and you feel better emotionally. Another way in which you enhance your emotional well-being at this event isn’t even about the sport itself; it’s about you spending time with your peers and having fun. The important thing to remember about sports day is that it doesn’t matter how good you do in the activities but that you are having a good time.
As well as that, it’s very beneficial for students as it is a nice break from the exhausting routine of constantly slouching over a table and either working on your laptop or taking notes in a notebook. A change of atmosphere is refreshing for the minds, bodies, and souls of the students. By going to sports day you reload your brain, and when you eventually go studying again you will be more productive. Apart from just increasing productivity, the positive impacts that an event such as sports day has on you stretch far beyond the realms of your school life. The big change in the routine could help you make your mind up on decisions you’ve been contemplating, as well as improve your personal relationships and completely change your views on topics you have been thinking about.
The advantages that sports have on you are not limited to physical and emotional well-being, activities such as sports can help build teams and strengthen bonds with your friends. While sports day is meant for having fun there is still an element of competition present within the contests. Whether it’s you competing in a relay race or simply cheering for your house, a sense of teamwork is being implemented in many areas. And these teams go far beyond the competition, the ability to work in a team or be a leader can be transferred to your school life and social life.
In conclusion, Sports day isn’t an event for the fastest runners, it’s not an event for the best jumpers, it’s not an event exclusive to professionals, it’s for everyone. Anyone can run, anyone can jump, and anyone can try their best. Because sports day isn’t about winning, it’s about trying. And the positives that you get from trying to outweigh any medal you could get.