It is said that sport is the only thing that has the power to unite the world, and through sport, one can acquire skills such as thinking, leadership, communication, teamwork, and discipline.
It is therefore important for parents to at least allow their children to play at least one sport in their lives.
According to fitness expert, Ayanda Kahla, it is very important to introduce your child to a variety of sports at a very young age for them to be able to decide when they grow up which sport they would like to focus on.
"When purchasing toys for your children, ensure that there are various types of balls representing different sports so that they are exposed to different sport codes. Parents can’t really choose which sport their child will play.
“However, what you can do is encourage them to take part in sport and continue to support them in the sporting code they have chosen," said Kahla.
According to Wayne Parker's article on liveabout.com, choosing a sport for your child is an important decision for any parent.
He said some children were more inclined toward team sports, while others would prefer individual sports. Some body types are better suited to some sports than others. Some children will be more interested in low-impact sports, while others will prefer a more physically demanding sports opportunity.
Parker provided the following tips to help children choose a sport suitable for them:
Expose the child to a variety of sports;
Keep an eye out for signs of enthusiasm;
Determine whether you prefer team or individual sports;
Match the sport to your child's body type; and,
Spend one-on-one time learning skills.