Unfit youngsters threaten Olympic success
According to Olympic and physical education expert Sheila Wigmore from Sheffield Hallam University, UK, an outdated physical education syllabus is failing the fitness of British school children and could threaten the success of the 2012 London Olympics.
A member of several British Olympic groups and a sport lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, Ms Wigmore claims “the demise of home economics, combined with the onset of fast food and computer game culture and being confined to the house by parents concerned with the perceived lack of safety on the street” have added to young obesity issues. However, she also believes school physical education, which is comparable to the 1933 curriculum, doesn't engage children with “far too much emphasis on competitive games”.
She stated, "We have got to move away from the health aspect and start promoting the social. Children are becoming adults much younger and are worried about their hair, nails and getting sweaty—telling an 11-year-old that sport will make them healthier at 50 doesn't register. However showing that activity can help them make friends and be happy in a range of environments will help them enjoy moving their bodies again, whilst coincidentally improving their health.”
She added, "I'm angered by the negative media around the London 2012 Olympics. It is a very important occasion for the
Ms Wigmore will discuss how physical education can contribute to creating active people for life and establishing appreciative spectators and volunteers for the 2012 Olympics at a public lecture at
