Play is an important part of every child's life, providing opportuntiies for them to explore the world around them. It is essential for physical, emotional and spiritual growth, intellectual and educational development, and development of social and behavioural skills.

With a little encouragement, children will leave the TV and computer games behind for busy playgrounds and ball fields. Instead of chips and cookies, they'll reach for basketballs, footballs, rollerblades, and bicycles.

What better way to keep your children out of the house and away from television and computer games than enrolling them in sports?

These activities can promote co-operative play, teamwork, and good sportsmanship while helping to refine gross motor skills. Sports can also help children get along with and become accepted by others, including peers, family members, teachers, and coaches. Plus, through positive feedback, group play builds self-esteem, helping your child realise that he/she's a capable person who is able to accomplish significant achievements.