Paris 2024 Olympics Highlights Video Games’ Role in Developing Young Sporting Talent
With the Paris 2024 Olympics just one day away, video games are increasingly acknowledged for their influence in developing young athletes. A recent survey conducted by nimbl, the leading pocket money card and app for 6 to 18-year-olds, underscores how video games are contributing to children’s sports skills and enthusiasm for physical activities.
Bridging the Gap Between Virtual and Physical Sports
Sports video games like FIFA, NBA 2K, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater are not only sources of entertainment but also serve as educational tools. Esteemed athletes such as Jadon Sancho (Football), Ben Simmons (Basketball), and Erica Bougard (Athletics) use these games to study techniques, game strategies, and enhance their motor skills.
The nimbl survey, which sampled 410 parents across the UK, reveals that 41% of children have gained a better understanding of sports rules and strategies through these games. Additionally, 37% have shown improvements in cognitive skills such as problem-solving and teamwork, while 42% have enhanced their fine motor skills, including reaction times, hand-eye coordination, and anticipation.
Sandy from Epsom, whose 12-year-old daughter Lilly plays football for both her school and local clubs, shared, “Gaming has provided her with a deeper understanding of sports rules, strategies, and skill development. It has also been beneficial socially, as she plays with family and friends, learning about teamwork and cooperation.”
Inspiring Participation and Passion
Beyond skill development, video games ignite curiosity and a passion for sports in children. The immersive experiences offered by these games allow children to explore various sports, develop new skills, and take risks within a controlled environment.
The survey identifies action and adventure games as the leading genre at 35%, with sports games at 23% and online platforms like Roblox and Minecraft at 11% Of those surveyed, 35% of children were motivated to try new sports after engaging with video games. These include football (27%), basketball (5%), tennis (3%), as well as skateboarding (3%), gymnastics (3%), and motorsports (3%).
Jo from Watford noted, “My son Isaac (11) enjoys both online and offline bowling and tennis. Gaming inspired him to explore new sports, such as golf. After playing a golf game on Nintendo, he wanted to visit a driving range and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
Finding Balance and Getting Fit
The survey indicates that 69% of children spend over 4 hours a week gaming, with 28% gaming for more than 10 hours a week. Striking a balance is crucial.
While most parents believe that nothing replaces physical activity, 25% of them observed that motion-based video games have either improved or maintained their child’s physical fitness. This is particularly significant for children with disabilities, those not engaged in extracurricular activities, or during adverse weather conditions.
Summer Boredom Buster Promotion
With up to 50 rainy days expected this summer (TimeOut), nimbl has launched a Summer Boredom Buster promotion to keep young minds engaged. From July to September, nimbl will host weekly and daily prize draws to win an Xbox Series S or a Nintendo Switch OLED Model.
Alana Parsons, Chief Executive of nimbl, stated, Our survey shows that 42% of parents are investing over £500 in gaming equipment, with 8% spending more than £1000. As families are tightening their budgets and postponing holidays, our Summer Boredom Buster promotion aims to provide entertainment during rainy days. By recognising the educational and motivational benefits of video games, we can help foster well-rounded athletes and inspire a lasting passion for sports.”
