Sports and fitness have long been associated with a number of positive
benefits: improved health, a sense of community, a rewarding routine and
more. During an era riddled with uncertainty, there has perhaps never been
a time when community sport has been more important. In general,
communities that place a higher importance on social interaction in the form
of physical activities, organized programs, and parks and rec have an overall
stronger sense of unity and belonging. They are generally safer places to live
and are typically filled with happier and healthier people. One would be
hard-pressed to find a downside to encouraging sports and recreational
activities in the community. Here are some of our top reasons why these
activities are so important - hopefully they will provide some inspiration to
introducing community play in your hometown!
Perhaps one of the most important benefits that community sports and
programs provide is the positive impact on individual health, both physical
and mental. Over the course of the pandemic, reports of mental health
issues have skyrocketed, with an increased number of individuals reporting
counts of stress, worry, anxiety and depression, due to periods of isolation
and lack of activities to participate in. Mental health, physical activity and
social interaction have always been inextricably linked to one another in
some capacity; during this time, physical activity and a sense of belonging
could present more benefits than ever before. Being able to enjoy nature by
having access to public and national parks can also greatly benefit physical
and mental health.
From a young age, the social benefits that community sports and programs
encourage cannot be denied. Getting children involved in recreational
activities allows them to interact with like-minded individuals. It greatly
benefits their social and emotional intelligence and helps them to develop
skills like teamwork and communication. According to a recent study, 85%
of Canadians believe that participation in sports and physical activities helps
to build stronger communities. However, those benefits don’t have to stop
once kids grow up. The same study revealed that 45% of adults found it
difficult to make new friends once they reached the age bracket of 18-34.
Participating in organized activities can be a potential antidote to this
problem by encouraging interaction and a sense of community for
participants, even when it might seem more difficult to do so.
Community Sports and Fitness - Student
Worksheet (with Marks)
Short Questions (2 marks each)
Q: Name two positive benefits of community sports.
A: ____________________________ (2 marks)
Q: What percentage of Canadians believe sports build stronger communities?
A: ____________________________ (2 marks)
Q: According to the passage, what helps children develop teamwork and
communication skills?
A: ____________________________ (2 marks)
Long Questions (5 marks each)
1. Q: Explain how community sports and programs can improve mental health,
especially during the pandemic.
2. A: ____________________________________________________________ (5 marks)
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
3. Q: How do community sports benefit both children and adults socially?
4. A: ____________________________________________________________ (5 marks)
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Fact vs Opinion (2 marks each)
Q: “45% of adults aged 18–34 found it difficult to make new friends.” – Fact or
Opinion?
A: ____________________________ (2 marks)
Q: “Communities with more recreational activities are generally safer places to
live.” – Fact or Opinion?
A: ____________________________ (2 marks)
Q: “One would be hard-pressed to find a downside to encouraging sports.” – Fact
or Opinion?
A: ____________________________ (2 marks)