Can sport thrive in the midst of poverty and injustice? The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the opportunity to participate in accordance with his or her needs. If the practice of sport is a human right then it cannot operate in blissful isolation of other basic human rights. It’s absurd to think it can. It goes beyond sport for sport’s sake. If you have an opportunity to make a positive difference, take it. Don’t waste it. There are too many people who are disengaged. Innocent lives are lost in the crossfire. Living a normal life becomes a struggle. Conflict is a bleak reality. Through sport young people can learn to take greater control over their lives and be encouraged to become involved in social change. Sport provides the opportunity to work directly with vulnerable communities in an effort to improve lives. Ideas, attitudes and beliefs are key to change. Change needs engaged people—there must be genuine and sincere interest and passion for change. It takes action. It takes dedication, commitment and determination. There are communities that do not have any sporting facilities. There are children who don’t get the opportunity to play. Why are we comfortable with that picture? How can we find lasting solutions to issues such as poverty and injustice?
The modern world of sport seems far removed from its earliest incarnation. As such there are justifiable reasons to question the relevance and sense of it all. Sport always carried with it social, national, community, cultural and ethical dimensions. What’s the purpose? Is it more important to just say nothing and remain below the radar? Is simply staying out of the line of fire good enough? Reality is an intrusion when you look around and eventually notice what is really taking place. What about the innocent lives? What about the children? What about the use of sport to educate youth and to help create a better more peaceful world? There is a price to pay. At some point in time we must all account for our stewardship. Those who believe they have avoided the truth and its consequences will have to answer even if it is not to their fellowman or woman. But in the meantime it is eye-watering and breath-taking the stories making the rounds. One would think that trust and credibility still matters. There is a need to change policies and practices that reinforce poverty and injustice so that people can improve their lives. Poverty is not only a financial concept nor should it be limited to just that, poverty of ideas and morals can be even more debilitating.
Why remain silent and complicit in the face of violence, crime, corruption and bribery? How do we eradicate poverty and injustice? How do we develop effective leaders who are sincere and informed voices for positive social change? If we don’t have men and women who are prepared to challenge the causes of the ills of our society there will be no real change. Our children and our youth are the innocent victims. Yet there are people who refuse to identify the root causes and turn a blind eye to those who profit from conflict, corruption and bribery. We must put pressure not only on others but on ourselves to respect and act according to our obligations. We must build the capacity and provide the resources that are needed to make a difference. Is there a reason why some must go to bed hungry because of the deep injustice in the way the system works? Why are we choosing to do things this way? What is the end result ? Our children and youth are the future. They deserve better.
-Brian Lewis
Source: www.guardian.co.tt