Mark Evans, the CEO of SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua, emphasized the crucial role of sports and unstructured play in the development of children during the recent launch of the Kimaya Foundation and Brighter Minds Trust in Nadi. He asserted that play is an intrinsic aspect of human nature that begins in infancy, highlighting its universal significance across various cultures.
Evans pointed out that while play is a natural activity, modern practices often involve excessive supervision of children’s time, limiting their opportunities for free, unsupervised play. He believes this restriction can hinder cognitive growth, stating, “The evidence of how important that is for their development is extraordinary.” As a former educator, Evans advocated for early childhood education, asserting that foundational cognitive development occurs in the critical early years. He warned that by age 15 or 16, it may be too late to effectively build the necessary skills.
Additionally, Evans discussed the unifying power of sports, which he regards as one of the few remaining avenues for people to come together with a shared purpose. “Sport is about togetherness,” he remarked, highlighting its ability to foster community connections.
The Brighter Minds program, which targets children aged 5 to 15, focuses on enhancing cognitive development through interactive tools and techniques rooted in neuroplasticity. Evans expressed pride in Drua’s involvement with this initiative, underscoring the importance of supporting efforts that contribute to the cognitive growth of the younger generation.
This initiative represents a hopeful step towards prioritizing child development through play and sport, reinforcing the notion that fostering a love for play can have lasting benefits on a child’s cognitive and social skills.
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