Acting Upper East Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Abdul Rahman Danladi, has challenged the perception that young people who participate in sports are academically weak.
Mr Danladi, who is also Head Coach of Ghana’s national women’s volleyball team, said the belief that pursuing sports comes at the expense of education could discourage talented young people from developing their sporting abilities.
“I think that narrative about sportsmen being daft is wrong. It’s completely wrong,” he said.
According to him, young people should regard their sporting abilities as an additional advantage while continuing to take their education seriously.
“The sporting discipline is an advantage you have over another person. So, do not look down on your education because you are a sportsman and they hail your name,” he said.
Mr Danladi recalled his experience as a student under his Physical Education teacher, Mr Anas, who he said encouraged students to participate in sports without compromising their academic work.
He said young athletes should understand that recognition for their sporting abilities should not become a reason to neglect their education.
The Acting Regional Sports Director said he continues to encourage young people with sporting potential to develop their talents but identified negative perceptions about sports as one of the challenges affecting participation.
He said changing attitudes towards sports would be important in encouraging more young people to participate while continuing their education.
Mr Danladi also pointed to people who participated in competitive sports and later pursued careers outside athletics as examples of how sports and education can coexist.
He said the Upper East Region had historically produced competitors in disciplines including volleyball, football, handball and athletics, but was working to regain its previous standing in sports.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
