ODDLY enough, it wasn’t watching the wonderful All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup but seeing Jeremy Vine on Strictly Come Dancing that brought home the importance of sport today.

While any international clash can be uplifting, fascinating and entertaining – and the rugby certainly was – the TV presenter whose awkward dancing style but grinning determination has kept him in the series so far has a first-class example to offer.

In the face of brainless online trolls criticising his dancing skills, he insisted that his appearing on the popular show actually acts as an important lesson for his two young daughters. He stated: “Just because you can’t win doesn’t mean you stop working.”

This lesson is all through sport. It’s definitely one reason why school sports activities are so important and why getting children involved in any sport can be so valuable.

It’s not just a casually placatory phrase that “Not everyone can win” whether it’s a rounders’ or cricket match, an inter-schools’ swimming gala or anything competitive in life. You try with the hope of winning but, even when winning is probably not going to happen, you continue trying for the sheer pride and self-respect.

Interestingly, the way we all – as children and adults – perform in sport says much about us as human beings. You don’t even have to excel to prove that you are a decent, hardworking individual, determined to try your best under all circumstances.

Compare the petulance of some pampered and over-paid professional footballers with the sheer grit of paralympians of all standards who play a sport for the sheer love of it and for the basic achievement. Who would you rather count as a friend?

If someone is prepared to give 100 per cent, even though there is little chance of reward, then you would probably be far happier to rely on them when the going gets tough.

Sport already teaches teamwork, discipline and hard work and what it can bring as valuable life-lessons and is vital to youngsters.

It’s not a matter of parents having to automatically invest in expensive club fees or equipment, and it’s nothing to do with children not having the time.

It’s everything to do with being prepared to have a go, and to keep on trying. Just apply that formula to most of the challenges youngsters face today and the results can only benefit them and local communities.