The fitness industry changed its focus in the late 20th century. Fitness conference presenters began expounding the virtues of sport-specific training. They argued that athletic activities offer concrete fitness goals, which provide added motivation for people to adhere to their programs. The World Health Organization agrees, and asserts that sport inspires and empowers people to improve their overall health.
Benefits
The results of several studies support a positive link between athletic activity and healthy habits. One study, performed in Japan and published in the 2004 edition of "Human Performance Measurement," evaluated the physical, psychological and social aspects of sport among 1,755 adolescents. Lead author Kiso Murakami of the Japan Institute of Sport Sciences reported that athletic students displayed superior goal pursuit and coping skills, as well as interpersonal skills. The results of a 2007 study published in "Sport and Health Magazine" indicate that children involved in sport activities have better eating habits and sleep patterns than those who do not.
Global Organizations
Right to Play is a global organization that harnesses the power of sport to improve the lives of children in disadvantaged areas. The organization evolved from a fundraising effort called Olympic Aid, which the Lillehammer Olympic Organizing Committee developed in 1992. Olympic Aid gave financial support to individuals living in war-torn and distressed countries. Its Olympic athlete ambassadors donated portions of their winnings to these countries. Olympic Aid became Right to Play in 2000. The organization sends sport coaches to distressed countries throughout the globe. Its athletic programs help children develop leadership and social interaction skills.
Active Seniors
During the 1960s and 1970s, Jack LaLanne, Jane Fonda and Kenneth Cooper sang the praises of physical activity. They inspired many baby boomers to lead an active lifestyle. While many people over age 50 maintained their athleticism, most athletic organizations appeal to the younger, single population. As seniors lose their athletic friends and spouses to death and disease, some may abandon their favorite sports. Others may suffer from loneliness and lack of social interaction. Over the Hill Gang International provides discount ski and summer trips for people over age 50. Its 6,000 members enjoy camaraderie with like-minded seniors.
Winter Programs
When the snow falls, many people abandon their outdoor sport and fitness programs. Winter Feels Good, a subsidiary of Snowsport Industries of America, encourages family bonding through snow-sport activity. It offers learn-to-ski and snowboard days at downhill and cross-country resorts throughout the country. The Winter Feels Good interactive website features winter sports games, which parents and children can play together.
Sport and Public Service
Children of low-income families may not be able to afford sports equipment and participation costs. Such is the case in certain parts of Colorado. Low-paid resort employees and Mexican immigrants populate many of Colorado's ski towns. Politician and snowboard instructor Arn Menconi offered a solution. He created Snowsport Outreach Society, an organization that uses adult mentors, who take local, low-income children to the slopes during the winter, and on rock-climbing and mountain biking trips during the summer. Local manufacturers donate gear. The families pay a nominal fee, but in exchange, participants must volunteer for a certain number of community service projects. Each sport day embraces a specific theme, which includes courage, discipline, compassion, wisdom and integrity. Each session ends with a "circle of love," where participants discuss what their athletic experience taught them about this theme. The program encourages healthy interaction between American and Mexican children. Snowsport Outreach has programs throughout the country.
References
- World Health Organization: Health and Development Through Physical Activity and Sport
- Shobix: The Relationship Between Health-Related Life Skills and Sport Experience for Adolescents
- CESS: Sport and Health Magazine
- Right to Play: At a Glance
- Over the Hill Gang: Life is Good, Especially When You're Over 50
- Snowsport Outreach Society
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