Keeping the mind sharp, the body fit, and the soul in place is one of the things to do in order to stay mentally healthy. All of these can therefore be achieved through sports. Sports can also be used to pass time. Apart from the health benefit, read below the thoughts of some students who were actively involved in a sport:
“The importance of doing sports while in school are: it makes you stay fit; you have exposure as you get to represent your school then travel to different states; sometimes, out of the country in cases of international competitions. Also, there are chances for networking and meeting new people. It also gives room for the acquisition of some basic life skills. For example, as an athlete, you have to be disciplined and committed to time.” According to her, “unlike other students, we always get accommodation, even during the sophomore years that accommodation is not given”.
Teniola Fadahunsi
An Erstwhile Female Campus Athlete.
“First, for me, it’s the intra- and inter-school social connection. Secondly, it is the adventurous aspect and the fact that it kills boredom. It also keeps me fit and healthy for the tasks in school; for example, moving from one lecture hall to the other; I don’t feel stressed from taking the long walks. I make some money from it as I get to receive competition allowances. In addition to this, there are a lot of opportunities while studying on campus and after campus… I was employed recently as a fitness trainer in a gym. This implies that one can make a career out of it. 80% of the friends I have today were made through sports. To conclude, I got to meet celebrities and exchanged contacts with them through this means. A perfect example is Kunle Afolayan’s ‘Citation’ where I played as the opponent of Koyejo in the fight”.
Sulaiman Sodeeq Abobajo
Taekwondo Athlete (Blackbelt), Trainer Martial Arts Club; an affiliate of the OAU ITF taekwondo club
The benefits of sports are tremendous. All that is required of you is to pick the sport that appeals to you the most, register for it and stay consistent with it. It is all to your advantage. With all the points outlined, I would leave you with the question: is sport important or not?
