Benefits of students’ participation in sports and games in secondary schools: a case of Ulanga district

This study investigated the benefits of students participation in sports and games in secondary schools. The specific objectives of the study were; find out the extent to which students participate in sports and games in secondary schools, investigate the benefits of participating in sports and games, identify the challenges faced in the implementation of sports and games in secondary schools. The study employed mainly the qualitative approach informed by case study design. A sample of 66 respondents which included heads of schools, Physical Education teachers, students and parents was obtained through purposive and convenient sampling procedures. Also, quantitative technique was included through stratified random sampling procedure. The instruments of data collection were interviews, focus group discussion, observation and documentary review. The data were analyzed qualitatively through content analysis. The findings revealed that students participated mostly in ball games than athletics. The benefits derived from participating in sports and games were categorized into social, physical, psychological and economical. The social benefits were cooperation, discipline and making new friends. Furthermore, physical benefits were reduction of obesity, risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Moreover, psychological benefits included decrease of frustration, increase confidence, self-esteem, creativity, hard working spirit, attention, concentration, and developing communication skills. And economic benefits were reduction of medical costs and preparation of students for career as a professional player, referee or coach. The findings also revealed that sports and games participation enhanced academic related outcomes such as high school attendance, discipline, self-esteem, creativity, hard working spirit, concentration in the class, confidence, attention and verbal ability. The challenges encountered by students were insufficient sports and games resources included financial, human, time, facilities and equipment. The study found out that the Government, NGOs, school management and parents do support and promote sports and games participation in secondary schools. The study recommends that sports and games participation should be enhanced in secondary schools through emphasizing collaborative work between the government and other educational stakeholders. In particular, the ministry of education and vocational training has to allocate more budget for financing resources required in promoting sports and games in secondary schools. The government should establish a policy and create good environment which encourages various organizations and companies to support sports and games in secondary schools.