Keeping Children Active During COVID-19 Lockdown – a novel look at physical education and sports in schools

A Sportz Village Foundation Position Paper

The world is facing an unprecedented situation due to COVID 19, a “black-swan” event that has affected life in an unforeseen manner. The situation has ensured “lockdowns” in many countries, forcing people to adopt new social behaviors and reevaluate their economic activities. Among the many implications – is the abrupt closure of schools and social spaces that, thus far, enabled children and adolescents to participate in physical activity and sport. This paper attempts to highlight the importance of access to sport for children (especially from disadvantaged backgrounds) – and offers a framework for educators and development experts to engage children through physical activity (during and after the lockdown) – when norms of isolation, social distancing, and personal hygiene may continue to influence our schooling system.