Invictus

After studying physical education for two years, and now currently studying sport and recreation, I am not distanced from the notion of using sport as a lens for important political and cultural issues. The social importance of community development is not exempt from this viewpoint.

The movie Invictus takes place in the period after the fall of apartheid when South Africa hosted the Rugby World cup in 1995. Invictus tells the inspiring true story of how President Nelson Mandela joined forces with rugby captain Francois Pineaar to bridge the racial divide prevalent in the country. Although the movies follows the typical underdog team rising to the top in order to represent meaningful metaphorical things for the country at large, it is inspired by a true story, so stimulated emotions of admiration and satisfaction cannot be denied.

Throughout the movie, Nelson Mandela demonstrates generosity and openness to differences within the community, and with the support of Francois Pineaar, helps to inspire others to greatness. The Springbok rugby team becomes a symbol of the South African community as a whole.  The Springbok team has strong leadership in their captain, and demonstrates the importance of altruism and collectiveness when strengthening a community.  Through their acceptance of one another, the Springboks are able to "become a shining light in the world," and bring unlikely people together in celebration.

Invictus uses sport to create racial tolerance among a community, and also demonstrates the importance of appreciation for diversity, leadership, and inclusivity in community development. What can be learned from the movie regarding community development is the significance of strong direction from leaders, acceptance of diversity, and inspiration from one another. 

You Can't Lift a Stick With a Finger

I recently read an article called “Participation in sports and cultural activities among Aboriginal children and youth” (Smith, Findlay, and Crompton). As the title implies, the article discusses the rates of participation among Aboriginal children in sports and recreation, as well as the importance of partaking in physical activity and the limitations to involving ones self in recreation. The authors state that physical activity is important for children to explore their identity, control their emotions, and acquire social skills and self esteem (Smith, Findlay and Crompton 49).  The authors also conclude that participation in recreation was more likely to occur if the children were involved in some form of other social activity (Smith, Findlay, and Crompton 53).

Upon first reading the article, I thought to myself, “this is just another typical article focusing on the importance of physical activity… blah blah blah!” After further reflection, I was able to pull general ideas out of the article that are of great significance: without a sense of community, participation in sport is unlikely and highly ineffective. What’s quite interesting is that participation in sport is more based upon feeling a sense of belonging and equality, rather than having a general interest in sports or skills required for sports.

I am able to justify this first hand. On the Mount Royal University basketball team, before every practice our coach gives us a quote of the day. Just before we began our regular season, the quote was “you can’t lift a stick with a finger.” As seemingly corny as the quote is, I understand where my coach was coming from.  In order to have a successful experience in sport and recreation- that is accomplishing your goals and enjoying it along the way- you need to have the feeling that you belong to a support network that is willing to work together. The Mount Royal Cougars basketball team is the most socially cohesive team that I have ever been a part of. Every member of the team cares for, supports, and respects one another, and we are all willing to work together to reach our goals. It has been through my experience with the Cougars that I have realized that a sense of belonging and equality are essential to a well-rounded sport and recreation experience.

As an athlete, youth coach, and potential employee in the sport and recreation sector, it is of utmost importance that I understand the significance of community in sport participation. It is clear to me that initial and continued participation in sport and recreation isn’t necessarily based on skill level or talent, but more so on the feeling of inclusion and importance that resonates with members of sport and recreation communities. In order to grow sport and recreation involvement, particularly among youth, a focus on the community aspect of participation needs to be emphasized. Everyone within the community needs to openly invite others to join, and buy into the concept of respect and inclusion for one another. If not all members of the sport and recreation community are willing to create a sense of belonging among each other, the success of the community will fail. After all, you can’t life a stick with just one finger.