Take a guess at who will be one of the biggest influencers when it comes to your child picking up a cricket bat or tennis racquet this summer?
It’s you!
Australian Sports Commission (ASC) research shows parental behaviour and attitudes towards organised sport plays a significant role in making their child’s sporting experience a positive one.
In addition, participation in sport helps children build a lifelong connection with physical activity and the associated benefits.
To that end the ASC has just released the cutest video you’ll see all year as part of Play.Sport.Australia, its game plan to get more Australians playing sport, more often.
‘Heroes’ focuses on the importance of parents playing sport, both for their own health and for the positive influence it has on their children.
“My mum is the best AFL player in the world,” gushes one little fan in the heart-warming clip.
“My hero’s my dad,” says another. “He’s the best tennis player. He’s really good at forehands, backhands…volleys especially. He’s the ace master.”
ASC General Manager of Participation and Sustainable Sport, Michael Thomson, says parents are among the greatest role models for their children when it comes to supporting their sporting efforts on and off the field.
“Parental behaviour and attitude towards organised sport plays a big role in making your child’s sporting experience a positive one,” says Michael.
“It’s important to show good sportsmanship, respect for coaches and officials, and to be encouraging and supportive.”
But being a good role model goes beyond how parents behave watching their children play sport from the sidelines.
“The key thing is to get involved and have fun. The research shows that if you play sport, then it’s more likely that your child will play too,” he said.
To celebrate the launch of Heroes and help Australians of all ages play sport, the ASC is running a nationwide competition, giving 10 families the chance to win sports club memberships for their families up to the value of $500 each.
To enter, simply visit the Play Sport Australia Facebook page and share your family’s greatest sporting moment.
