There is a lot more to sport than winning. The obvious benefits of participation in sport includes improved health outcomes – both physical and mental.
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Beyond that are the skills and attributes that are needed to succeed in all aspects of life. There’s the teamwork, resilience, handling defeat, setting goals, processing feedback and determination.
Those involved behind the scenes of sport clubs also add many skills to their repertoire and in turn their resume.
The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics data, released in 2015, estimated more than 60 per cent of Australians aged over 15 participated in sport at least once during a 12 month period prior to the 2013-14 interview.
People aged 15-17 had the highest participation rate of 74 per cent.
The highest participation rate was recorded in ACT with 73 per cent. Other lowest rate was Queensland with 54 per cent and Tasmania had a rate of 67 per cent.
During the same period there were about 28 per cent of Australians aged over 15 involved with non-playing roles in sport.
Both participating and non-playing roles experienced a decrease in participation for those aged over 65.
Athletes and sport volunteers also share the common benefit of creating a connection with the community.
The social interactions should always far outweigh any goals kicked or points scored.
This is why events like the Commonwealth Games goes beyond professional athletes winning gold medals, setting world records or personal best efforts.
The Commonwealth Games gives those involved in junior sports a goal to strive for or a role model to support.
People tune in via television to experience the thrill of watching others achieve greatness. The results and effort displayed can be inspirational.
That inspiration and connection transfers all the way down to the Queen’s Baton Relay. It’s a chance for a combination of people from our community to be recognised for their achievements – on and off the sporting field.
In the end, if we come away with no gold medals from the Games – it doesn’t matter. As long a child somewhere is encouraged to dream big, the Jack Duffys of the world inspired to achieve personal goals and adults stay connected to their community via sport or other organisations.
