So Gove is reducing funding for sports in schools. A few days/hours later, along come the private companies with offers of sponsorship. Up grow a little army of children who are thoroughly inculcated into the corporate ethos, with a life-time's loyalty to MacDonald's or Pepsi. Where have I seen this before? Oh yes - Big Society. Private companies providing our health care, libraries etc. Wonderful how it all hangs together.
That's one thing. Here's another, from Eton website: 'Games are central to the Eton curriculum not just because boys enjoy them, but because they embody many qualities in which the school believes. Learning to win and lose, to lead and be led, to push oneself to and perhaps beyond one's limits, to think as part of a team, to know when to strive for more and when to acknowledge defeat; these are all part of learning to be human.'
If it's good enough for the Etonians in government, why not for the rest of us?
Sport is one thing in my experience that does provide kids with a level playing field (sorry), at least on a physical level, as it's what you can do with your body, rather than your accent that matters.
Most out of school activities involve at least some parental involvement - willingness to transport kids to clubs etc - but sport is something that even the most poorly-parented kids can join in with (there's always a lift available for kids in the team). It's often cheap. It's hugely rewarding, boosts self-esteem, etc etc - could go on for ages.
But also - it educates kids in a healthy way of life. It proves the advantages of physical exercise, gets them addicted to endorphins, keeps them off the streets and away from drugs and booze, at least for a time.
OK, off my high horse now. YOu know all this already.
I hated all sports at school, btw. I just think they're good for other people. 