The
Benefits of Sports Community on Younger Generations
Community
based sports initiatives in Australia are offering young people fun and
improved health, while also defying the expectations of older
people, writes Amanda McClintock, 19, a Commonwealth Correspondent from
Queensland.
Across Australia and the world, sports are considered very
highly as a profession, entertainment or social activity. Whilst there is a
group of elite few who are chosen to play at a professional level, either
nationally or internationally, there are also millions of people who play
cricket in their backyard or throw around a football with some mates.
However, for at least 100 young people in North Brisbane,
Wednesday night touch football has just kicked off a new season. The weather
might be warming up but the enthusiasm that these young people demonstrate is
inspiring to watch.
City Touch, a local Brisbane organisation, has recognised the
importance of staying active and being involved and as such runs a social touch
football competition three nights a week in ten venues across Brisbane
throughout the year in an effort to get young people off the couch and into
playing sports in a team environment.
Although many of the older generation see sports as a waste of
time, there are several benefits to community based sports programs for both
the participants and their families and friends. With over 4,000 participants,
City Touch has become one of the most popular social competitions around.
But what are the benefits to playing in this environment?
Firstly, there are the obvious health benefits. Every week thousands from the
Brisbane area do 40 minutes of exercise during the game, plus any training or
warm-ups that they might do. Even this one evening of exercise can improve
health and fitness levels and reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and heart
disease in the future.
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