Introduction
As someone who has practiced sports since childhood, it has shaped my way of living to the point where being unable to practice sports makes me feel like a completely different person. In recent times, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of people who practice sports, especially children; as a result, there has been an increase in cases of diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity all around the globe, according to studies made by the World Health Organization.
Recognizing the lack of sports and physical activities being practiced, as well as numerous articles and research studies that prove the need and importance of sports, this article aims to encourage people in our community to participate in at least one activity per week. These sports can be practiced outside of school, such as going to the gym, dancing, or running, or they can also be practiced here on our campus, as students have a large variety of sports available that the school provides.
Lifestyle Risks
With the upcoming drought of people practicing sports, numerous studies have been conducted and published that cover topics such as the rise of diseases due to a lack of sports, the increase in inactivity, and many others.
In the following years, there has been a large increase in the number of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Studies such as the one made by WHO (World Health Organization) show how adults have been practicing significantly less physical activity in recent years. Not only that, but the article also portrays that “Physical inactivity puts adults at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cancers such as breast and colon”.
Practicing physical activities is proven to help with these problems. Even a little walk around the block or a bike ride with someone can help your body regulate many things, such as hormones and metabolism, and it also makes your muscles become active. All of these tiny activities that will take up only 30 minutes of your time will help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity because of a hormonal regulation that was caused by just a small walk.
Stories Involving Sports
Through years of practicing sports, people have at least one impactful story that tells how sports affected their lives throughout the years. With this, here is a story that depicts how sports played a big role in a person’s life.
Basketball’s Effect
This story is about a person who, throughout his childhood, suffered from bullying. The person then decided to engage in a physical activity; thus, he started his journey in basketball. Throughout his journey, he was able to notice his body starting to change, as it started to get used to the force needed to play the sports; therefore, his body got stronger. However, that isn’t the most important part, as he has an incredible story to share:
The person tells a story of how a championship happened, and in the previous friendly games, his team lost them all. Their coach then told them that he would be able to train them 3 hours every day for the following 2 in order to improve and win the championship. After 3 months, they were able to proceed to the finals game with their intense determination to attend every practice. The game was really tight, being determined in the last minute, where the person’s team was down 1 point, and with an intense layup, his team was able to win. However, that isn’t the most important part of the story, but the way they celebrated. After the final buzzer, both teams were so excited about the game that they hugged each other, thanking one another for this incredible game played. Depicting that sports are more than just a game, but a way of making friends and creating everlasting memories, and if strengthening your body is the most important part for you, sports also help play a big role in this change.
Start an activity!
Starting an activity can be something so simple, but with a massive impact. In the EAC community, people have various choices to pick from the after-school programs that are offered.
After School Program
The after-school program is a program offered by the school that allows students to participate in activities that occur in periods of time that succeed the ones of educational time, hence the name. The after-school program ranges from activities such as drama and robotics, all the way to sports such as basketball and soccer. It is a great way to start getting into sports, especially if you have friends who play them, as it will help you to get through the first few days. If you want to know more about the guide, press here: After School Activities Program Guide 2025-26.If you want to know more about the schedule, press here: ASA Schedule 2025-2026 – 1st Semester (The schedule changes every semester).
Outside of School Programs
Adding to the activities, there is also the possibility of doing sports outside of school grounds. There are activities such as going to work out at the gym, running or walking through town, such as the Parque Taquaral here in Campinas, all of these activities are very beneficial to your body and can also serve as a way to clear your mind, and have some time for yourself. Around Campinas, there are also parks and gyms where you can practice different sports. For example, in Taquaral, there are basketball courts, volleyball courts, skate parks, soccer courts, and many other activities. If you are interested in going there and playing with people, the best day to do so is on a Sunday, when various people attend the place and play various sports there. Most people understand if you are not that good and just play for fun, and it is a great environment to blow off some steam.
Adding on, if you don’t like the traditional way of training in the gym, there are also places that offer a different style of training. An example is CycleClub, a gym that features Bootcamps, Cycling, Hit, and also a weight room, all for those who are trying to find their style of working out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, participating in a physical activity, even if it is “as little” as walking around daily, can help your body and even your mind a lot. Practicing a physical activity can range from helping your body regulate hormones to even having some time for yourself. There are various stories around the internet in which people with depression or mental health issues have started practicing some type of physical activity, such as sports, walking, gymnastics, or anything, and have helped them increase their mental health tremendously.
Basically, what all this means is: practice physical activity. There are various simple ways to practice and have fun, as well as being able to have incredible and inspiring stories that can be told to others, influencing them to also practice.
Bibliography
“WHO highlights high cost of physical inactivity in first-ever global report.” World Health Organization (WHO), 19 October 2022, https://www.who.int/news/item/19-10-2022-who-highlights-high-cost-of-physical-inactivity-in-first-ever-global-report/?utm. Accessed 2 September 2025.
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