How sports drive academic success

THERE'S a persistent myth in education that excellence in academics and excellence in sport are somehow in competition - that students must sacrifice one to succeed in the other.

- ALEX GITLIN

SPORT is as important as any subject, and just as capable of cultivating intellect, confidence and empathy, says the writer. | FUAD ESACK

In my experience, the opposite is true. Sport doesn’t distract from academic achievement. It strengthens it.

As both an educator and a lifelong sportsman, I’ve seen the transformative effect that structured, competitive sport has on a young person's development - not just physically, but cognitively, emotionally and socially. I've also experienced, firsthand, how my involvement in sport has energised and shaped my own leadership, both in the classroom and in school governance.

Sport builds the physical stamina required to stay sharp and motivated through demanding academic schedules. It enhances mental well-being, reducing the likelihood and impact of stress and anxiety. It encourages consistent routine, resilience, and time management. And far from interfering with classroom focus, it improves it.