Sports and academic performance of students has been· a topic of debate for years. The supporters of sports program in educational institutions say that participation in sports improves students' grades, academic achievement and keep them in schools and colleges. Critics say that participation in sports deflects time away from the classroom and divert students' attention from study. They further say that it is not possible for students to achieve excellence and satisfaction in sports as well as in education. A continuing debate about the role of sports and academic achievement of students has occurred since long but no consensus has been reached so far. In this context, the present study was conducted to determine the association between participation in sports and academic achievement of students. The study was conducted in Bahir Dar preparatory and secondary school of grade 9th students. I 02 students has been selected by using Kothari formula. A structured questionnaire was developed and utilized for collection of data from 60 respondents was selected through random sampling technique. The result of the study revealed that there is a positive association between participation in sports and performance in education and participation in sports improve the Grade Point Average (GPA), class tests· results, ability of students to succeed ademically, and mental or cognitive development. This study als9 confirmed that extracurricular sport activities are _ , very useful and helpful for enhancing the academic achievement of students.

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO SPORT ACADEMY, BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY, IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OF EDUCATION SUMMER PROGRAM