Competitive sports inadolescent education hastime and time again provedthemselves to be a vital factor

in propelling academicprowess. While the physicalbenefits of playing sports ishighly publicized through thelikes of campaigns such asthe NFL’s Play 60, the mentalbenefits of playing sports arefar less touted in mainstreammedia and within forumsheld by school board

members andcommissioners.

Yet, this lack of acknowledgmentby no means indicates a

reduction in sports’ significanceto adolescents. In fact, this lack

of acknowledgment actuallyseems to have cultivated a

misperception of sports’ role ineducation. Take that Atlantic

article for instance, a clearexample of misinformation.

Proper information needs to bedisseminated so as to ensurepopular opinion supports the

facts.

In light of such, I present to you this study, “Sport atcompetitive level improves the academic performance of

secondary education students.” It directly states that“academic performance is better if young people play sportscompetitively.” To elaborate, the study indicated that those

children who participated in athletics developed better studyhabits and scored higher on standardized tests.

Such only makes sense when considering that these sports-inclined youthswere forced to account for the time that matches and practice require. Bylearning to allot for this in their schedule, they also learned to allot time tostudy, which in turn bolsters test scores. Initially, the study was conductedto address the severe decrease in sports’ participation as children ascendedto secondary institutions. Interestingly enough, the original reason cited forthe drop-off was a “lack of time to combine sports and studies.” Yet, when

reflecting on the studies’ proven conclusion, this is clearly anunsubstantiated rationale.

I would also like to make mention of the study conducted by Dr.Daniel Bowen and Dr. Jay Greene of The University of Arkansas.

They assessed school sports winning percentages along with studentathletic participation rates against graduation rates and

standardized test scores. After a five year period of controlling factors like student poverty levels, demographics, and school

financial resources it was clear that participation in sports clearlycorrelates with academic performance. While, of course, correlation

does not necessarily means causation, the facts remain that thetrend is evident.

Competitive sports offer a lesson that simplycannot be taught in the classroom, experience.It teaches children what it means to work hard

and to lose. It also teaches children what itmeans to work hard and win. Competition is aninherent part of our educational system withgood reason. Let us ensure it stays that way.