A plan to introduce physical training in creative ways in the daily routine of girls is under study and will be incorporated in the next five-year economic development plan (2016-2021), said Tahereh Taherian, advisor to the vice-president for Women’s Sports Affairs.
Understanding and supporting the natural yearning of physical activity among girls will lead them to a healthy lifestyle. If they are taught to include exercise from the early years of their growth and development, “we will be gifting our children good health that will endure throughout their lives.”
The health benefits of exercise extend beyond physical health and has a positive impact on motor skills, psychological well-being, cognitive development, social competence and emotional maturity, reports ILNA.
Until recently, it was generally assumed that young children were naturally physically active. In the past decade, it has become evident that many young children do not participate in sufficient physical exercise to remain healthy.
According to a study, only 36% of 2 to 3-year-olds and 44% of 4 to 5-year-olds engage in unorganized sports and physical activity each week. Raising awareness should start from kindergarten. In Iran, girls’ schools lack sports facilities which should be mandatory to encourage the culture of physical activity, she added.
The new plan will focus on developing the spirit of competitiveness and championship in women. A competitive environment will provide further impetus to physical activity. The plan will address women government employees as well.
In rural and remote areas, measures will be tailored to suit local cultures where more research centers are to be developed, she added.
