Playing sports includes various activities that every person can enjoy in their free time, since it contributes to the development of their creative potential, health, optimism, satisfaction and quality of life. The ancient Romans even said: “Mens sana in corpore sano”, translated as: “A healthy mind in a healthy body.”
In the last twenty years, more and more people of different age groups have started to engage in contact sports or martial arts for various reasons – recreation, health or competition.
Our scholarship holder Lejla Ohran, who comes from Bugojno and attends the eighth grade at the Second Primary School in Bugojno, also decided to take this step.
Doing sports inspires me in terms of self-defense because many women in the world are unprotected, says Lejla and especially notices the importance of self-defense because of the future in the world where young people live.
When I was in second grade, I started practicing because it appealed to me more than any other sport.
This year, Lejla competed in the cadet wrestling competition (up to 54 kg) at the 23rd Days of Ajvatovica event, where she won third place. Earlier, she participated in a similar competition organized by the Karate Club “Sloga”, where she also won third place. She applied for this competition because her club was the host and she wanted to achieve notable results.
For me, participating in that competition was important because of the opportunity to show what I learned through all these years of training and to meet new friends from other countries. When I received the award, I was very pleased, and I would especially like to single out the proud look of my coach.
Lejla would like to continue playing this sport in the future as well. She plans to become a master of karate so that she can train children and young people herself.
In addition to sports, one of her hobbies is reading. She also emphasizes the importance of reading among young people because it is the only way to enrich the vocabulary and become more mature.
Our Hastor Foundation, which she considers her support, also occupies an important position in her progress.
The foundation helped me a lot. I hope I‘ll be a scholarship holder for a long time and I won’t let the Foundation down.
It has been scientifically proven that regular physical activity can help reduce stress. Physical activity activates the so-called hormone of happiness that gives a feeling of satisfaction. Recreationalists are healthier, happier, and more satisfied people. Physical activity, individual work and teamwork have a positive effect on self-confidence which helps individuals feel better in their own skin and in society. Also, physical activity is very important because it affects the quality of sleep. Sleep is a source of energy, increases concentration and mental abilities. Engaging in sports regularly and leading an active means living a longer life.
I would recommend young people to do any sport. Believe me, it’s better and more interesting than a mobile phone. With it, you only lose strength and energy, while with sports you gain both and much more, concludes Lejla.
We wish Lejla all the best in continuing to play sports and we expect her to make her dreams come true.
Amar Velagić
Translated by: Semra Islamović
