Sports as a model for peace and happiness

Abstract

Not for the first time in my life, I was struck by the thought that sport is the most unifying and inspiring development and peace tool in the world. No other social activity brings people together in such great numbers, and with so much passion and enjoyment. Regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, sport is enjoyed by all; its reach is unrivalled. More importantly, though, sport promotes universal values that transcend language and culture. Moments like these show that sport has huge potential to effect social change. Sport and physical activity improve individual health and wellbeing, both physically and mentally, and teach important values and social skills. But sport doesn’t just empower on an individual basis; it also unites and inspires people collectively, which builds communities. In sports, playfield serves as a small class-room, a laboratory with many educational processes going on which provide knowledge, liberate the mind, improve the skill, promote free thinking, and encourage, creative talent and development of positive attitudes. Sports provide a platform to act across the barriers of national boundaries. International events afford an opportunity of personal interaction between the sportsperson of different countries and bring them together and closer to share experience thus promoting peace and happiness.