More important, sport teaches us how to handle failure, to get up and try again when we lose. That’s the most valuable lesson, since we lose more than we win in life.” Bob Schieffer“The priority of the ministry in 2020, is therefore to find money to settle the debt arising consequently, the ministry has taken the painful decision to suspend sports in school in 2020 owing to budgetary constraints. We hope to pay teachers by July 2020. In the meantime, schools are encouraged to conduct sports within the boundaries of the school and within working hours. The Ministry will continue engaging the Ministry of Youth empowerment, Sports and Culture Development to find a lasting solution for implementation in 2020.” Reads the last part of the communique from Ministry of Basic Education, suspending school sport. According to Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) President Joshua Gaotlhobogwe, coaches are owed P32million for yester-years engagements.With the world changing, schools are no longer just about academics and certification. Schools now focus on holistic development of the child so as to produce a well-rounded individual who fits well into the global village.
Sport has proven to be one tool that is able to do just that as it teaches life lessons like: discipline, tolerance, patience, trust, responsibility, self-sacrifice, self-motivation, self-confidence, accountability, teamwork, time management and respect. Also, sport develops in a child, a teachable spirit and the desire to achieve and excel.Marsh & Kleitman argue a case for sports saying, “Sports contribute to individuals: personal, emotional, physical, social, cultural and academic development. It provides opportunities for leadership skills, constructive outlets and generally enhances individual quality of life”.
