This phenomenon called sport
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games have ended. Perhaps only medals and memories remain. Long will be the discussions as to whether the games should have been held and whether Tokyo is better or worse for being the host. Time will tell. Regardless, the games were indeed a welcome diversion from the cold, unyielding grip of the Covid-19 Pandemic. In its wake, the Olympics has served to arouse pride and ignite the patriotic fervour of millions across the globe. Like the effects of many Olympics before, there is a palpable upsurge in the appreciation of sport and its importance in rousing a nation. Undeniably, there were many learning moments throughout the games, some obvious only to those who looked beyond the splendor of the athletic performances. Fleeting moments of substance which served as vivid testimonies of the value of sport in influencing human behaviour. The power of sport was evident throughout the Olympics.
The story of hurdler Hansle Parchment’s ordeal was intriguing. But I found the most riveting event to be Grenadian Kerani James’ spontaneous gesture of retrieving the fallen flag of a competitor and proceeding to drape it around the Bahamian athlete who, moments before, had defeated him in a most grueling 400 meters race. Powerful messages of sportsmanship, camaraderie, peace, and perhaps most importantly, respect, all bundled and expressed in a single moment. Indeed, the games provided a window on sport as a very important asset in the toolkit for societal development. Abetted by proper structure, adequate resources and sound mechanisms for implementation, its impact on youth and other marginalized populations is unquestionable. We are all aware of its health-promoting effects, but experts have agreed that sport plays a pivotal role in fostering friendships, promoting peace, generating income and cultivating positive life skills in participants. Life skills such as tolerance, cooperation and determination have been perpetuated through sport.
Developed countries, guided by ongoing research, are moving steadfastly ahead in incorporating sport in many aspects of their development pathway. Recently, the British Active Students Survey on Further Education 2020/2021 sought to determine the impact of sport and physical activity on students in education. The research provided important insights into how sport and physical activity may impact young people and presented substantial evidence to guide policy decisions. The key findings of the research suggested that those who were involved in sport and physical activity experienced: higher levels of well-being and social inclusion; less loneliness; increased confidence in finding employment; and had improved perceptions of academic success.
Research of this nature is hardly done in Caribbean societies even though there are several examples of how sport programmes have changed the lives of many youths who were once living precariously. Jamaica, itself, has received many accolades on its athletic accomplishments over the decades. Yet, many would argue that sport development in Jamaica is grossly under-resourced; that greater outcome would have been realized if certain developments were manifest. A cursory glance the development of Jamaica’s sport facilities is quite telling. The Jamaica National Stadium complex constructed in 1962, albeit under howls of opposition by political naysayers, hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1966. For 36 years it remained the premier and only quality sport facility with a running track in the country. Since then, the GC Foster College established a track in 1998 (reconstructed in 2015) and the Usain Bolt Track was laid at the University of the West Indies in 2010. Commendably, the more recent tracks were established in schools namely, Calabar High School, Kingston College and, of course, Jamaica College. Interestingly, the Catherine Hall Sports Complex (established 2010) remains the only facility with a running track in the entire western half of the island. While the development of sport facilities is important, more must be done to establish such facilities outside of the Kingston / Metropolitan zone. The dire lack of quality sport facilities in the rural zones is quite evident in spite of the fact these are traditionally the spawning grounds for Jamaica’s best athletic talents.
With the memories of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics still resounding in our minds, it is a good time for our decision makers, including key leaders in the business community, to give deeper thought into ways and means of developing and promoting sport across the countries. Sport must now be used in a more functional way in shaping the Jamaican and other Caribbean societies. We speak here of quality grass roots sports programmes that should be available to every child. Let us start by establishing better and accessible sport facilities and infrastructure supported by suitably trained personnel.
John Campbell is a sports physiotherapist and a rehabilitation specialist.
