I've been told that sports are important and it's well worth the thousands, or millions we spend on them in our school system.  The argument or justification is that;

1. Prepares Students for the Future. ...
2. Increases Student's GPAs. ...
3. Provides Students with Time-Management Skills. ...
4. Supports a Life of Health and Wellness. ...  I know a number of men with permanent knee, shoulder and back problems from sports.
   
5. Teaches Teamwork, Collaboration, and Compromise. ...  Don't 5 and 6 conflict?
   
6. Promotes Leadership Skills. ...
7. Develops Positive Character Attributes and Community Spirit.

So ignoring what I think about the tenuous connection sports have to any of these my question always has been, there are only a few kids out of the school that comprise the football, basketball, track teams, so what about majority that don't or can't participate?

Not that many with reading comprehension will read this but, my kids were in sports and did quite well.   I also participated in 2 sports after high school.  Maybe more depending on what you term a sport.