Sports are an important part of a child's life.  Children's sports are also one of the main ways to help children, young people and adults to keep fit and healthy and avoid becoming overweight. Too many kids just relax at home with the television or play video games instead of paticipating in sporting activities that can make a big difference to their health.

Developing sporting skills, sportsmanship and enjoyment early in childhood will build a foundation for the future enjoyment of sports throughout our children's entire lives. Sports is also a way of making exercise an enjoyable and social event.

Other important aspects and benefits of playing sports include:

• improved physical fitness;
• improved confidence through learning skills and success;
• helping children to learn to control their impulses - this is necessary for success in sports as well as social relationships;
• builds lasting friendships;
• starts lifetime interests;
• helps children learn about rules and fair play;
• helps children to cope with winning and losing; and,
• helps children to do better at school work.

Increasing overweight and obesity is happening world wide. Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to have health problems later in life. Helping young children to develop good eating patterns and enjoyment from sports and physical exercise may help them avoid health problems in the future. Children and young people who play and enjoy sports are also less likely to join in anti-social activities. If children have a disability or ongoing medical problems there are many sports they can play. Discuss this with your child's doctor and then find out what is available in your area.