Dubai gets kids moving, which deserves praise

The benefits of physical education have been demonstrated many times over. Studies have proven that there is a positive link between physical fitness and exam scores. Students who are active are also better at cognitive performance and are known to have better classroom behaviour. Add to this the obesity epidemic. Nations have been struggling with rising weight issues and it’s most harrowing that rise in childhood obesity is a constant. Physical activity in schools offers opportunities to socialise and learn new skills that may spark new interests in children. It is here that initiatives like the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Order of Merit for Sports Education in School gains importance. The Order of Merit will encourage schools in Dubai to achieve academic and sporting excellence, and will support efforts to make sports a lifestyle for the community.

When the aim of every society is to churn out a generation of happy and healthy human beings, it is imperative that physical activity is taken seriously from a young age to make it a part of life. Schools and families should come forward to facilitate it. Grading physical activity just like any other subject will help legitimise the time spent on sports. Ranking can be based on skill levels and participation. There could be an outcry from parents who believe that sports in school is a waste of time and money, and from those who think their child is not good at it. But children who are not good at science, or maths, or history are made to exercise their brains to excel in those subjects. Exercising the body isn’t any different. Participation in physical education is often downplayed. This needs to end. Dubai, with various initiatives, has been beckoning its residents to make physical activity a way of life. It is about time educational institutions included activity as part of their curriculum and made it compulsory like any other subject. If taking care of the body is not optional in life, then why should it be made optional in schools where youngsters spend most of their time?