PREFERENCES OF 5TH-7TH GRADE STUDENTS FOR SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THEIR LEISURE TIME
PREFERENCES OF 5TH-7TH GRADE STUDENTS FOR SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THEIR LEISURE TIME

Summary/Abstract: Statement of the problem: identification and understanding of the relationship between the choice of a favorite sport and motor activity in schoolchildren. The participation of students in their favorite sports activities is a key element for their motor activity. The purpose of the study is to determine the attitude of students towards sports activities in their free time and their preferences for a favorite sport to practice. Participants: 52 students from grades 5-7 (29 boys and 23 girls) from the 68th municipal secondary school, Sofia, Bulgaria. Results: They revealed two important categories among the students - the first category is physically active students who do sports from once a week to every day – 59.62%, and the second category is passive students who rarely do sports or do not like to do sports at all - 38.46%. The preferred sports for boys are team games: volleyball, basketball, and football. Girls prefer modern dances and folk dances (hora). In their free time, 5th-7th grade students prefer meeting with friends, walking with them, and discussing topics important to them. It was found that students do not have a regular daily routine, which makes it difficult to plan their day. This is the reason why 53.85% of them carry out their physical activity, such as a walk in the park, at different times and for different durations, according to their school, extracurricular, and family commitments. Cycling is an activity that students mainly practice during the holidays when they are visiting relatives. From the answers of the students, it was found that in their free time, they do the following activities: continue with their school preparation and further study, actively practice a type of sport participate in competitions, and have family commitments. The family environment is decisive for the development of tourist activities among students. Students who play with friends and go on hikes and outings with their parents demonstrate higher motor activity during their free time. This is a prerequisite for increased physical activity outside of school and for a longer time. Students show a positive attitude towards physical activity if they practice a sports activity they want. In conclusion, our results revealed that students' current attitudes are positive towards physical activity during their free time. To attract the interest of students in grades 5-7 in extra sports, the activities should be related to the student's perception of friendship, group activity, and music

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