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FEATURE FOCUS: TACKLING STUDENT OBESITY
Championing the legend in every child! S
ports Direct recently launched Sports Slam, a new nationwide initiative putting
the participation and excitement back into PE. From tennis and athletics to invasion and turf games, Sports Slam offers the chance for children up and down the country to discover their new favourite sport. Engaging thousands of schools across the UK, the inspiring campaign aims to empower children through the power of sport and champion the legend in everyone. In our first feature this month looking
at the importance of tackling student obesity, we sit down with Sports Slam ambassador and PE teacher Joe Danquah to find out more.
Why do you think PE is so important? PE allows children to develop socially, psychologically, emotionally and technically whilst engaging in physical activities. PE is fun, inclusive and suitable for all ages and genders, and can enhance children’s communication skills. Physical Education is the perfect tool to support children's all-round development. As well as giving children the opportunity to develop physical skills, PE also teaches children intellectual skills, helps them navigate difficult social situations, and nurtures their emotional development. It is crucial in providing children with the opportunity to these essential lifelong skills away from a
classroom setting. COVID-19 and the pandemic has really
highlighted the importance of physical well-being, and children were affected by the pandemic in so many different ways both psychologically and physically. As we witnessed, this was well documented nationally and lots of people took it upon themselves to help children stay active through the use of social media and streaming devices. Through the use of PE, we have been able to
give children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds the opportunity to catch up on crucial life skills by providing a fun, non-pressurised environment, which encourages holistic learning to take place. PE has the power to allow children to develop skills such as communication, problem solving, resilience, teamwork, determination, respect and passion. I am aware that not all children are able to
learn and develop in a classroom environment, and that some children need to be able to release their energy before they can concentrate on studying and learning. PE is crucial in assisting those children as it keeps them active, whilst also contributing to their wider learning. I was one of those kids growing up. Coming from a family that faced challenges in different ways, I used PE and sport as my way to switch off from the reality I was facing on a daily basis. Through the power of PE, I was also able to settle in the UK after
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emigrating here at the age of 14. When I moved to England, I was not able to speak any English, I didn’t have the confidence to try new things and certainly didn’t have the skills to build positive relationships. However, extra-curricular activities and engaging in PE activities during school time allowed me to build positive relationships and learn English as I demonstrated my talent, passion and determination in sports. Soon I was identified as gifted and talented and placed on the Gifted and Talented Pathway in school. This opportunity really enhanced my confidence and allowed me to enhance my English, make new friends and build positive relationships with teachers and coaches. Right up until this day, I still remember everything my teachers did for me during PE lessons, and I am still in contact with them and use the way they treated me to inspire the children I work with on a daily basis.
What is your opinion on the worrying increase in primary pupils’ drop in physical activity? It’s frightening and sad to see, but I cannot say that I am surprised by it. In the society that we currently live in, it’s so easy for children to feel more comfortable and happier without engaging in any physical activity. In some areas, children are reluctant to go out and play due to not feeling safe in their community. It’s such a shame as growing up all I knew was going to school,
April 2022
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