Part of Sport in Character Building

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 46, 25 February 1936, Page 11

Part of Sport in Character Building

A writer on sport has stressed the fact that one of the most outstanding results of using body, brain and spirit in games is the all-round development of the personality, states an Australian writer.

Personality is a strange gift possessed by all in a more or less marked degree, which is developed in varying ways under different conditions. Many people who in their youth appear somewhat insipid develop interesting and strong personalities in later life, and frequently those who have the most to contend with in their lives develop the strongest personalities. This elusive gift is dependent not only on character but on personal appearance and fastidiousness.

Games do much toward building a man*or woman’s character and personality by creating a balance of qualities and developing every side of a person’s nature. Rhythm, balance, clearness of mind and judgment, calmness, resistance nnd swiftness are all developed by athletic life which includes periods of rest between its phases of activity.. This law of rest is essential :n daily life —not only rest of Dody but rest of mind and spirit; what Pierre de Coubertin, the president of the Olympic Games at Paris, has called “la silence des muscles.’’

There are certain rules of personal hygiene for the sportswoman, which should be adhered to as strictly as the rules of the sports or games, for the physical cleanliness and fitness of the body is as essential as the same qualities of the mind.

In the The Melbourne Girl, the official paper of Y.W.C.A., the following rules are given for the “well-groomed sports girl” so that the benefit of exercise may not be lost by the lack of care of the body or clothing. Exercise to the point of perspiring is very necessary to the normal girl as the skin is being used as it should be. Wear less clothing while partaking of exercise and the garment next to the skin should be of porous texture. Put on a blazer or woollie immediately at rest periods and on finishing the period of exercise." As soon as possible take a warm bath, using soap and finishing with .a cold sponge or shower. Do not linger on the playing field

after the game is over, get home for a hot bath as soon .as possible. A daily warm bath is essential at all times, and should become such a habit that under no circumstances is it omitted. -