Social and Educational Benefits of Physical Activity and Sports

This chapter thoroughly reviews the specific literature focusing on the social and educational benefits of physical activity and sports. These kinds of benefits are necessary to promote equity and inclusion among all members who are part of any group or social collective. The chapter is structured into three parts. The first part introduces the general benefits related to Physical Activity, and Sports. Simultaneously, the introductory chapter highlights the main problems that cast doubt on the achievement of these social benefits and argues for the conditions necessary to overcome these weaknesses and threats. The second part focuses on the social benefits of sports highlighted in international literature. Apart from identifying a range of physical and psychological benefits, in this section, the authors pay particular attention to social benefits closely related to groups or communities where diversity is the predominant characteristic. Finally, the third part is centred on the special benefits of physical activity and sports for refugees or asylum seekers. This part also concludes by outlining the most important principles and benefits that teachers or social educators must possess to develop skills and competencies in these specific groups, enabling them to overcome their challenging situations and promote intercultural education and the social integration of individuals at risk of exclusion within any social group.