BEYOND SPORTS..

written by Irenerose Beatrice Susi

“Sports has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can. Sports can create hope. It is an in instrument of peace.”

Indulging in sports create recreational activities. But looking at it deeply, one can see that it is essential in our lives. It teaches us how to win team effort. A basketball team may have short players but if the members perform according to their roles, the possibility of winning is not farfetched. An individual sportsman will know the value of sacrifice in order to achieve his goals. Manny Pacquiao, they say, works like a bull in practice. He knows the value of practice and the determination to win.

More so, sports have enduring qualities even if the athlete has retired, he still shows the qualities of the real sportsman. They respect their teammates and even their opponents. They know how to win with humility and lose with grace. They know how to set goals and they do everything to achieve or fulfil their goals. Sports teach discipline. These are the attributes that should be found in our youth today.

Can sports affect our social lives? Definitely! Every time Manny Pacquiao fights,the police register zero crime rates. But what is more important is the youth is not tempted to use drugs or alcohol. He learns how to be focused. Because of this, the grass root athletes are tapped, their potential explored.

But the most important aspect sports can bring is discipline. In sports, you must give your best. Focus. You must sacrifice a lot of things for you have a goal to be attained. Learn to endure. “ Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision.” said Muhammad Ali, an American boxer. You must have a goal. Per aspera ad astra!- through difficulties to the stars. All these can attain through discipline.

And this is the reason why sports play an integral part of our school life. Article XIV Section 19 (1) of our Constitution provides that the state shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry. And everybody is here to foster camaraderie, discipline, teamwork and excellence.. Now is the time for sport to show how much it can achieve beyond sport.. “MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO”... a healthy mind in a healthy body.