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What do you write about in the inaugural entry on a sports blog: the Old firm moving to England, the punishing, recently announced route for the 2010 Tour de France or eh.... The X Factor?
Rikki Loney tried but was found wanting with his rendition of Aretha Franklin’s classic “Respect” on Saturday Evening. “Too big.” was the observation from many, when analysing his performance – either way it got us thinking about RESPECT and the role of sport (and how I could segue back into something relevant) – and the pivotal position it needs to occupy in the minds of parents & legislators.
It seems like every day there is debate somewhere, be it in parliament or a talk show “phone in” discussing the ills of modern society. It is inescapable that we are riddled with societal challenges. Obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, drug and alcohol abuse, no/poor parental supervision, poverty traps, the social divide...etc etc.
So how do you make a difference? Just what is the key to unlocking the potential to make every person a stronger, dare I say it better person – to unlock potential and make society fairer.
It’s a tough one but is it not the case that the best solutions to complex problems often happen to be the most simple ones.
Which takes us back to the song- RESPECT. It would be good for us all to show some respect, genuine respect for others – maybe even positive praise where necessary...!!
Sport is the perfect platform.
No matter which way you look at it the relationship between respect and sport appears to us to be pretty undeniable.
Sport is about competitors, winners & losers all. The underlying reality for sports people is that you compete first and foremost against yourself. Even in a team environment, personal challenges have to be surmounted for the benefit of the team. It seems logical to conclude that sport can help teach you the life skills to face personal challenges and help you understand how to deal with the challenges manifest in today’s society.
So we want to see more people involved in sport and consequently more & better sport. Sport for all contributed to by all.
And it starts with our kids.
Governments, business, schools but above all parents. There is a role to play for all. It doesn’t need a magic wand, just commitment and effort. It’s simple really, everyone can Maximise Sport. Sorry couldn’t help myself |