COMSATS University Islamabad
Course Title: Civics and Community Engagement
Assignment no: 1
Submitted to: Amna Afzal
Submitted by: Syed Muhmmad Abdullah Shah(093)
Qaisar Shabbir(083)
Zahid musthaq(107)
Talha Nazar(069)
Abdul Moeez Atif(108)
Umer Shehzad (073)
Syed Shazaeb (096)
Date: 9 Oct,2024
Establishing a Community Sports Facilities
for Young Generation
پنجاب کا نوجوان,"کھیل کا میدان
AREA:
Central Punjab
Background:
Central Punjab of Pakistan has a rich history in sports, deeply rooted in the
cultural and social fabric of the region which includes cricket, hockey,
kabaddi, boxing, polo etc. Currently the region suffers in terms of lack of
jobs, neglect of stadiums and population growth . With the return of
technology, young people lost interest in sports.
Identify the Need:
Access the local community: Conduct surveys or hold events to
understand the interests of young sports and the differences in
facilities available
Prioritize inclusivity: Focus on a variety of sports, both traditional
(such as kabaddi, boxing) and modern (cricket, football) to cater for
different interests and talents
Lack of Proper Sports Infrastructure: Many areas of Central
Punjab, especially rural areas, lack adequate playing fields, equipment,
vocational training or sports facilities. Most of the youth do not have
access to safe and maintained sports facilities.
Limited Access to Quality Coaching: There is often a lack of trained
coaches who can effectively guide young athletes. As a result, many
talented youngsters fail to develop their skills or compete at a high
level.
Social and Economic Barriers: Many children, especially from low-
income families, cannot afford sports equipment or travel to distant
sports facilities Furthermore, gender inequality often holds girls back to
participate in certain sports
Health Concerns and Physical Inactivity: The rise of technology
and digital entertainment is leading many young people to live more.
This lack of physical activity can lead to health issues such as obesity,
poor fitness and psychological stress.
Safety Concerns: There are not many well-maintained public open
spaces available for children and youth. Many such places are used for
purposes other than sports or have become dumping grounds in which
kids and youth are not safe to play. It may even turn out to become a
danger place because of poor infrastructure or lack of supervision.
Shrinking Public Spaces: Due to increased urbanization, playfields,
parks, and even sports fields give way to commercial and residential
development. This reduces places where young people may play sport
still further.
Gender Inequality: In Central Punjab, girls and women face social
constraints that will not allow girls and women to enter sports
activities. Social custodians frequently deny access to sports fields lest
girls and women be harassed by unknown or untrustworthy males.
Income Disparities: Among these families living in Central Punjab,
especially in rural settings, hardly enough is available to meet such
expenditures pertaining to the purchasing of sporting apparatus or the
payment of proper training. The costs of participation are too high for
certain sporting events such that such activities exclude deprived
youth.
Lack of Government Funding: With a tighter budget allocated to
sports development, most places have lacked necessary resources for
the building and maintenance of facilities, leaving most young people
with little room for sports
Increased Screen Time: With the advent of smartphones and video
games and social media, many young people spend their time
outdoors much less than their indoor times and are engaged little or
not at all in physical activities. A sedentary lifestyle brings health
issues and often declines interest in outdoor games.
Technological Distractions: Technology is an entertainment that
does not stop entertaining; it will replace physical play and makes it
challenging to motivate children to engage in sports or otherwise.
Develop a plan (with Local Leadership Involvement):
Engage Local Leaders: Identify and enlist popular local
personalities who are either school or sports influencers to
spearhead the exercise. The local leaders are supposed to be key
ambassadors to lead mobilization and change attitudes and
recognition among the residents.
Create a Leadership Team: develop a committee of local leaders,
manage various aspects of the project, such as fundraising,
outreach, facility management, and hosting events. This will help
the project remain responsive to the needs and needs of the
community.
Three-Pronged Attack on Sports Facilities for Youth in
Central Punjab
1. Infrastructure Development
Upgrading already existing sports facilities and developing new
multi-sport complexes should be done to ensure these areas are
accessible to people engaging in various sports.
2. Youth Engagement and Training Programs
Establish community-based coaching programs and organize
regular competitions to encourage youth participation in sports.
3. Policy and Advocacy
Lobbies for supportive sports policies and corporate sponsorships
should be sought to improve funding and resource mobilization for
youth sports activities.
Courses of Action
perform a needs assessment to determine priority areas for facility
improvement and development
Work with coaches from local clubs and sports organizations to
implement training sessions and competitions.
organize a coalition of community leaders to advocate for sports-
friendly policies and approach local businesses seeking sponsorship
opportunities.
Self-Help Initiatives for Sports Development
Community Involvement: organize volunteer days on which the
residents of the local area maintain and enhance sports facilities.
Peer Mentoring: Instituting programs whereby experienced youths
coach the younger athletes in skills building and leadership.
Grassroots Organizations: Support development of local sports
clubs as an intervention on special needs of the community.
Courses of Action
Organize community self-help meetings.
Organization of a volunteer network for facility maintenance.
Offer fundraising workshops.
Insight and Psychological Pathway
Mental Health Awareness: Promote the mental health benefits of
sports, such as helping people cope with stressful lives and
improving their confidence and moods. Conducting workshops or
seminars for education from the community.
Building Resilience: Use sport in teaching resilience and
teamwork to youth. Portray stories of athletes that have overcome
challenges in pursuit of their respective sports to achieve inspiration
among the youth.
positive Reinforcement: Encourage a culture of support and
encouragement within the sports programs, where each
achievement be either big or small receives recognition that boosts
one's self-esteem.
Predictions and Positive Repercussions of Providing
Sports Facilities
1. Improved Physical Health:
Lower Obesity Rates: Sport facilities will open up access to
sport facilities that will promote physical activity, thereby
minimizing cases of obesity and the related health impacts for
young people.
Enhanced Mental Well-Being: Sports activity can promote
improved mental well-being among the youth as it reduces
cases of anxiety and depression among young people.
2. Stronger Community Bonds:
Increased Social Interaction: Sport facility will become
centers where the youth interact with friends, and therefore
strengthen social ties within the community.
Teamwork and Leadership Skills: Youth will acquire some
skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership when
engaging in sports. .
3. Economic Growth:
Job Creation: New facilities can create jobs for coaches,
trainers, and maintenance staff, contributing to the local
economy.
Attraction of Talent: Enhanced facilities can attract talent,
leading to scholarships and opportunities for young athletes in
higher education and professional sports.
Summary
The initiative to enhance sports facilities in Central Punjab focuses on
improving physical health, fostering community connections, and driving
economic growth. By assessing community needs, developing infrastructure,
engaging youth through training programs, advocating for supportive
policies, and encouraging self-help initiatives, the project aims to create a
vibrant sports culture.
Conclusion
Investing in sports facilities will lead to healthier youth, stronger community
bonds, and economic opportunities, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in
Central Punjab.