The Nexus of Sports and Academics in Universities in Africa
Loading...
Date
2011-12
Authors
Mwisukha, A.
Kaimenyi, J.T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Sport Management Association
Abstract
Participation In sports in African universities is essentially at two levels, that is,
recreational and competitive. However, enrollment in sports at the universities is
minimal due to structural, inter-personal, intra-personal and social-cultural constraints.
As much as participation in sports has numerous benefits, there are schools of thought
which presume that athletes are "academic dwarfs" or intellectually bankrupt. This
paper outlines the nexus between sports participation and academics in universities in
Africa. A theoretical overview which captures Greek Philosophy of "Meno Sano
Incorpore Sano' (sound mind in a sound body), Deiwesyism, developmental theorists,
piaget and other psychological dispositions, spend-gain theories are presented. This is
buttressed by empirical studies from the west and Kenya, to underpin that participation
in sports is not detrimental to academic success. The second part of the paper dissects
the preparedness of universities in Africa in championing the cause for complementary
role of sports and academ ic performance. Besides, challenges in sports management in
African universities and the way forward are presented. It is recommended that
universities in Africa provide the necessary sports facilities, equipment, supplies,
human resource and environment for university students to participate in sports.
Description
Keywords
Sports, Participation, Management, Challenges, Athletes, Academics, Africa, Universities