Students participation in sporting activities Case Study of the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The University spends annually a considerable amount of their funds for the development of sport facilities. The amount spent on sport facilities has to be evaluated by comparing the total spent with the number of students participating in sport activities. This condition indicates a variety of indicators. The administrators state that the students are engaged in activities other than sports and the existing facilities are under utilized. Time restrictions arising from the existing academic schedule also affects the participation of students in sports. This kind of poor participation in sport activities by students cannot be ignored as the current undergraduates are the future human resources of the nation. It has to be emphasized that physical and mental well being is a fundamental factor. As such it is very important to have a closer look at this demand and supply mismatch and which leads to fulfill the objectives of the university. Data were collected for the study via a questionnaire which consists of closed questions. Data were gathered by the students following sport management module from the undergraduates who are engaged in sport activities at the Physical Education Division. All respondents in the sample (n = 400) were as being full-time students. Out of them 73%, 16.5%, 20.5% are represented in the streams of Arts, Science and Commerce and 58.8%, 19.0%, 14.3%, 8.0% level 1 to 4 undergraduates respectively. Through the structured questionnaire information on 8 motivating factors for participation in sport activities were evaluated. Reasons given for participating in sport activities are varied and different in the case of each individual.