The Olympic Games has, in Britain at least, inspired the government to increase the profile of Physical Education in the curriculum.
Politicians have pledged to end the culture of "prizes for all", and have said they will encourage "proper" sports days with awards for outstanding individual achievement.
This is good news for schools, as sport is good for children's mental and physical health. It has shown to be hugely beneficial for a child's well-being to do an hour of physical activity every day.
Less than 10 per cent of children actually achieve this. Having an active lifestyle is even more important today, as child obesity has become a real problem. Children often spend many sedentary hours in front of computer screens.
The benefits of playing competitive sports are enormous. They teach discipline, increase determination and stamina, and encourage children to push themselves to their physical limits.