Nelson Mandela once said that “Sport has the power to change the world…it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.”
In the last year, we have seen many examples of sport bringing people together. The breakthroughs for female athletes at the London Olympics, ushered in hopes for increased women’s rights in many repressive states, and the spirit of the games embodied much that was positive about the role of sports in society. Everyone came together to celebrate extraordinary talent and achievement in what was a truly global celebration.
But what is the role of sport? As much as it can bring people together, do sporting institutions have responsibilities towards the ‘greater good’? There are many questions which arise, some of which we have discussed on the IPF: Should the Olympic Committee allow North Korea to participate based on their human rights record? Should there be a Grand Prix held in Bahrain, when many criticise the government’s position, and post-Arab Spring protests continue.
There will be much discussion about the role that sport plays in society, about the responsibility of institutions, in years to come. But, no matter what, Nelson Mandela is right – sport has an extraordinary power to bring people together, to affect positive change, and to inspire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lvHnYQsTBU&feature=player_embedded
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[…] and enthusiasm to continuing our work during the remainder of our tour. We firmly believe that, as Nelson Mandela said, “Sport has power to change the […]
I believe sport has an enormous power to both bring people together, and to divide them. Fortunately, Mandela, the greatest man in the modern history, knew how to use it in order to achieve positive changes. His legacy leaves on. Now it’s on us to bring that power forward. Here it’s the analysis of how football can improve international relations: http://tamarasfootballmosaic.wordpress.com/2013/11/24/football-building-friendly-relations-between-nations/
[…] – http://archive.the-ipf.com/nelson-mandela-sport-has-the-power-to-change-the-world/ […]
[…] But what is the role of sport? As much as it can bring people together, do sporting institutions have responsibilities towards the ‘greater good’? Read More… […]
[…] Nelson Mandela once said that “Sport has the power to change the world…it has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.” http://archive.the-ipf.com/nelson-mandela-sport-has-the-power-to-change-the-world/ […]
[…] quote from Nelson Mandela explains the influence of sports: “Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is […]