The right to play

In last week’s column, I wrote about Foundation University’s (FU) plan to establish the Institute of Youth Sports for Peace (IYSPeace) in Dumaguete City, capital of Negros Oriental. The main movers behind this novel way of promoting peace and development through sports are FU’s president, Dr. Mira Sinco and FU dean of physical education, Dr. Perry Mequi, former chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission and Asian Games bronze medalist.

As narrated by Mequi in a presentation recently, the main impetus behind the creation of the IYSPeace is United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution 58/5 entitled "Sports as a means to promote education, health, development and peace." Through this resolution, UNGA proclaimed 2005 as the International Year for Sport and Physical Education.

The main inspiration however for the FU advocacy is a statement of the late Pope John Paul II during the World Day of Peace Celebration in January 2000: "I am thinking particularly of you, dear young people, who experience in a special way the blessing of life and have a duty not to waste it. In your schools and universities, in the work-place, in leisure and sports, in all that you do, let yourselves be guided by this constant thought: peace within you and peace around you, peace always, peace with everyone, peace for everyone."

It is clear therefore that sport, as a universal language, can be a powerful vehicle to promote peace, tolerance, understanding and diversity. Through its power to bring people together across boundaries, cultures and religions, sport can promote tolerance and reconciliation.

The core values integral to sportsmanship make sport a valuable intervention for promoting peace, from local communities to international boundaries.

At the communications level, sport can be used as an effective delivery mechanism for education about peace, tolerance and respect for one’s opponent, irrespective of ethnic, cultural, religious or other differences. Sport’s inclusive nature makes it a good tool to increase knowledge, understanding and awareness of peaceful co-existence.

Many of our sports leaders and sports enthusiasts have yet to appreciate the fact that sport and physical education play an important role at the individual or personal, community, national and international levels. At the personal level, sport enhances one’s individual abilities, general health and self-knowledge.

At the national level, sport and physical education contribute to economic and social growth, improve public health and bring different communities together. At the global level, if used consistently, sport and physical education can have long-lasting positive impact on development, public health, peace and the environment.

Sport can also be the great equalizer especially if it’s egalitarian in thought and actual practice. Access to and participation in sports and physical education provide an opportunity to experience social and moral inclusion for populations that are otherwise marginalized by social, cultural or religious barriers caused by gender, disability or other forms of discrimination.

Sport and physical education is one area where people can experience equality, freedom and a dignifying means for empowerment. The freedom and control over one’s body experienced in the practice of sport is particularly valuable for: girls and women, people with disabilities, those living in conflict areas and individuals recovering from trauma.

Over the years, I have emphasized, in agreement with like-minded individuals, that sport and physical education teach essential values and life skills including self-confidence, teamwork, communication, inclusion, discipline, respect, community organizing and empowerment and fair play. Sport and physical education also have psychological benefits such as reducing depression and improving concentration.

Sport, physical education, play and recreation have a positive impact; on child education so long as the fun aspect of play is not overwhelmed by the competitive features of sport and the need to win at any cost. Physical education typically improves a child’s ability to learn, increases concentration, attendance and overall achievement. Young people learn better when they are having fun and are active. Within schools, physical education should be an integral component of quality education and what makes a great institution of learning.

Giving young people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in physical education programs at school and through community clubs provides added benefits such as social inclusion and self esteem.