Reaching underprivileged youth through physical activity and sport

Abstract

This study highlights the need for the development of a physical and sport programme targeting underprivileged young persons. A literature review summarizes several studies that attempt to define who are the underprivileged young persons. Individual characteristics and deficits as well as environmental factors that lead to a young person being considered as such are looked into. The rationale for applying a physical exercise and sport programme as a prevention programme to these youths is also discussed, since getting the programme to be accepted requires a greater level of justification than just potential fitness benefits. Through information collected from questionnaires and interviews, the research determines whether prospective youth and community workers feel the necessity to be given the basic information concerning the organization of sports activities. Furthermore, the research also establishes whether any such prevention programmes exist in any of the organizations or institutions that cater for underprivileged young persons. The introduction of at least a unit on Physical activity and Sport in the Youth and Community Studies course at the University is recommended. Also the initiation of a Physical Exercise and Sport program, in places where underprivileged young persons are being taken care of, is also elicited.