philanthropy HOW SPORTS PHILANTHROPY CAN LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD
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It is said that sport is a great leveller in that rank, race, religion, and gender do not matter the moment you step onto a pitch. Unfortunately, getting onto the pitch in the first place can be the biggest challenge for many around the globe. For whilst it can be argued that those living in poverty and the marginalised would most benefit from participating in sport, it is they who are ofttimes left behind. Nelson Mandela rightly pointed out that sport is universal in all cultures and societies. Sports have been around as long as humans have existed; cave paintings from over 15,000 years ago depict wrestling, and the Olympics began in 776 BC. It is now one of the largest and most popular activities in the world for participants and spectators alike. Not only does it improve the health and wellness
“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 the 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.” NELSON MANDELA, 2000
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