ABSTRACT
The importance of motor development, however, goes beyond the attainment of new motor skills, as a growing body of evidence also confirms a mutual association between cognition and motor skills, while early motor development is also foundational to the current but also future health of children. Children should therefore acquire competencies in locomotor skills; non-locomotor skills; and manipulative skills. Various South African studies confirm concerns regarding the motor and physical development and health of young children, while negative relationships with academic and health outcomes additionally confirm stumbling blocks to the future success and health of children which are associated with these backlogs. The school is considered the ideal environment to provide all children with the necessary opportunities to develop and learn motor skills, attitudes, knowledge, and understanding of the benefits of lifelong participation in Physical activity (PA) and sport.
