Through our sports program we wish to develop a vibrant sporting ethos at SISPIK. We endeavor to develop the whole child, whilst fostering an ‘active life’ philosophy and the promotion of a lifetime investment in sport and physical activity. This sporting ethos celebrates enjoyment, breadth of participation and excellence both on and off the field.  Through sports, students understand excellent sportsmanship and the notion of fair play.  The goal for our sports program is effort, improvement and personal achievement rather than purely winning or losing.

Through our sports CCAs we wish to develop a vibrant sporting ethos at SISPIK. We endeavor to develop the whole child, whilst fostering an ‘active life’ philosophy and the promotion of a lifetime investment in sport and physical activity. This sporting ethos celebrates enjoyment, breadth of participation and excellence both on and off the field.  Through sports, students understand excellent sportsmanship and the notion of fair play.  The goal for our sports CCAs is effort, improvement and personal achievement rather than purely winning or losing.

Studies have shown there are strong academic benefits from physical activity and that playing sports can actually increase success in the classroom. Various data demonstrate that athletes have higher grade point averages, higher standardized test scores, better attendance and a better chance of going to college.  There are also life long benefits in terms of career as well.  A survey of individuals at the level of executive Vice President of 75 Fortune 500 companies showed that 95% of them played sports in high school. The leadership skills and development of teamwork, hard work, and determination might help prepare students to be leaders at work and in their communities later in life.

The research also reinforces the benefits to character from sports.

Self-confidence and self-esteem

Several studies suggest playing sports develops a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. A pat on the back, high-five from a teammate, or handshake after a match really boosts a child’s confidence. Words of praise and encouragement from the coach, parents and other players raise the self-esteem. An important thing to remember is that a child’s self-esteem should not be distinguished by victory or loss. Constructive criticism is key to children accepting and working on their weaknesses. It also helps when you ask ‘did you enjoy the game?’ rather than “did you win?”

Manage Emotions

We know how emotions run high in sports – whether watching a sport or playing it. Channeling negative emotions can be tough for children and a good coach will help them realize how negative emotional stress could hurt their performance. Such wisdom ingrained earlier on in life will help them deal with other life challenges in the future.

Discipline

Every sport requires some mental, physical and tactical discipline. Following rules, obeying the coach, practicing restraint, etc. are all forms of discipline children learn through sports. Discipline enables people to reach their full potential and realize their goals – a trait prevalent in all successful people.

Social skills

Kids playing sports learn to interact not only with kids their age, but also with the older and younger players on the team, the coach, sports authorities, etc. They also develop a sense of belonging and get an opportunity to make new friends. These communication and social skills help them in their future relationships and careers.

Patience

Practice plays a large role in improving performance in any sport or activity. ‘Practice makes you perfect’ but guess what practice and perfection need? Patience. Athletics teach kids how to keep practicing and be patient in order to see the results.

Perseverance

Just like patience and practice, sports also need perseverance and dedication. There are highs and lows during practice sessions and matches. Kids learn to power through and persevere even during the bad times, thus becoming more resilient. Practicing perseverance at a young age gives them better coping skills and critical thinking skills to face bigger adversities in the future.

Accept defeat

In sports, just like in life, one cannot win all the time. Playing a sport teaches children this truth early on in life. Therefore, children learn how to accept defeat and lose graciously. They learn how not to get disheartened and to get back up and try again. It also teaches them about healthy competition.

Teamwork

“There’s no I in team”. Children learn that the team cannot win unless they all work together and play to each other’s strengths. They also learn how to become less selfish and not let ego get the best of them. Working together is an important trait in today’s life and learning how to do so early on helps kids become better team players in professional life.

Respect Authority

Following a set of rules, accepting decisions and taking direction is a big part of playing any sport. Through playing a game, children learn how to respect coaches, referees, peers and other elders.

Leadership Skills

Becoming captain or aspiring to become one, naturally teaches children how to become good leaders – how to talk to other teammates, manage team emotions, take one for the team, etc. They also put these skills to use outside the pitch or court making them good leaders that others want to follow.