Sports and education : creating and promoting a sport culture in Malta [i.e. Maltese] schools

Abstract

Although sport has been an integral facet of life in most societies throughout history, only in the last century have sociologists, and physical educators, given serious consideration to sport as a social phenomenon (School Sport Forum, UK, 1988). This report was the outcome of strenuous and wide-ranging discussions during seminars held by the British Government and The Sports Council during which 'school sport' was scrutinised in relation to the influence of rapid changes in education, sport and society. The purpose of this study on the local scene is first to present a brief historical I overview of the institutionalisation of the discipline, secondly to define sport in this context and thirdly bearing in mind the substantial concern of past, and present situation of Physical Education. in schools, and propose methods of improvement for the near future. This topic stems from a belief that Sport in Malta, although participation of young children in sport is on the increase (e.g. Skolasport, Football Nurseries, Basketball Nurseries and so on), Maltese young people arc less fit than they ' should be. A recent survey held by the Health Department of Malta stated that I the rate of obesity in children is alarmingly high (Muscat 1990).