The problem of sport

[Sweder]

The key to engaging youngsters in sport is, in my view, exposure.
Before you all rush off to CYPOS or whatever it's called, this is not intended as a swipe at Roman Catholic schools. The problem seems to be getting a chance to try different sports. Had I ever tried rowing it might be me in those grinning shots of large, fit men in lycra*, waving medals under foppish mops.

It's not practical for all kids to try all things, but some variety and at least a flavour of different sports would be good. Kids who eschew team games - pretty much the majority, from what I can tell - might feel more comfortable in a solo pursuit. Most children ride bikes for fun, so doing so at pace around a basic track should pose no great challenge. Making it fun, and competitive, would help, I'm sure.

How many get to try tennis? Or fencing? Hmm. Perhaps not fencing, at least not in schools like the one I was desptached to in later years.


* apologies to anyone having lunch