Dave had loved basketball for as long as he could remember and he had never had a day without playing it. At primary school and junior high school he joined basketball clubs, attended training programs and watched basketball games, from which he learned the moves of the star players, wishing to play in a professional team like them and shine on the court.

Now as a senior high school student, however, his dream of becoming a professional player was dimming (变暗) because he was only of average height. He had to give up the hope of joining the school team. The guys on the school team were all tall boys who played matches and won honors for the school. They were like heroes. Dave watched them play and cheered them but he knew he would never be one of them.

Dave felt it a pity not to be tall enough, but this didn’t stop him from pouring his passion into basketball. He just played for the love of the sport. He played in the school gym with other boys or by himself every day, even during holidays and weekends, when it was open for two hours in the morning. He enjoyed every minute on the court making every effort to play better.

It was one Saturday morning. Dave was playing in the gym by himself, as all the other boys were busy with other weekend affairs. Then he noticed a tall boy approaching. It was Lankas. Everybody knows him as captain of the school basketball team. “Hi, Lankas,” Dave greeted him. “My name is Dave.” “Hi, Dave,” Lankas replied as he got closer. “Nice to see you here. Do you need an opponent to play against?” Dave was shocked, frozen right there, unable to believe his ears but somehow, he answered, “Why not?”

All parents know exercise is important for children: It can lower heart risks, control weight,and help kids do better in school. Plus, outdoor activities at an early age can go a long way toward helping children form healthy habits for life. In other words, exercise is needed for healthy development. But don’t expect kids to understand about those things. Some kids just aren’t into exercise, but that shouldn’t mean they have to be addicted to the TV. So parents could do something to help inactive son or daughter fall in love with physical activity.

If parents sit in front of the TV every night, a bag of chips in hand, kids aren’t likely to respect restrictions (限制) you set on their screen time either. So check your own viewing behavior, and serve as a role model by putting physical activity into your everyday life. When you can, walk instead of driving. Regularly participate in activities that you enjoy and let your kids see — and hear about — how much you enjoy them. In this way, they may “do as the Romans do”. Make sure that children’s fitness is included in the family schedule in the same way that school, work, shopping, and family gatherings find their way onto the calendar. You and your children are more likely to stick to an exercise plan if you incorporate it into your life on a routine basis. And your children will begin to expect and accept that Sunday morning usually means a hike ride, and a couple of nights after dinner the family takes a light walk through the neighborhood.

Children who aren’t naturally good at physical activities may be self-conscious about their lack of physical skills and even fear public failure. These kids need all the support and encouragement from parents. Negative comments don’t work and will only serve to make your child feel bad. Remember, acknowledge the effort — choosing to be active or trying to improve a skill — rather than the outcome.

Life lies in movement

Due to the epidemic, our school launched the online course, during which many of us students don’t get much exercise learning at home all day. However, it’s universally acknowledged that physical exercise is so important to our health.

There are various sports activities including ball games as well as other activities like swimming and hiking.