THE ESSENCE AND ECONOMIC ROLE OF THE SPORTS AND HEALTH SPHERE OF THE REGION

Abstract

Introduction. In the twentieth century, anthropocentric trends of social and economic growth stimulated interest in a healthy lifestyle and physical education. There have been processes that have made sports and physical culture an important sector of the economy of many countries. This actualizes the study of the essence, components and economic role of sports and health in ensuring the social and economic development of the region. Methods. The methods of theoretical and comparative analysis were used in the course of the research to reveal the essence and economic role of the sports and health sphere of the region. Results. The article carries out a comparative analysis of the concepts «sphere of physical culture and sports», «sports and health sphere», «physical culture and health services» and «sports and health services», «sports and health activities», «sports and health services market». It was found that according to the traditional approach, the field of physical culture and sports is considered by scientists in the context of its impact on the health and lifestyle of the population, the formation of an appropriate culture of behaviour. It is determined that the use of the term «sphere of physical culture and sports» places a significant emphasis on educational aspects – physical education and physical training. It is proved that the economic essence of sports and health is manifested primarily in the process of providing services to meet the needs of the population in physical activity and health. A schematic representation of the relationship between the concepts and the categorical structure of the sports and health sphere is given. The main components of the sports and health sphere are determined. It is proved that under the conditions of decentralization it is expedient to conduct research of the sports and health sphere at the level of regions. The author`s vision of the concept of sports and the health sphere of the region is offered. Discussion. Prospects for further research are to develop a concept for the development of sports and recreation, which should be based on the principles of comprehensiveness, achieving sustainable development goals, and be adapted to the conditions of decentralized management of sports and recreation. Keywords: sports and health sphere of the region, sports, physical culture, sports infrastructure, the market of sports, and health services.