How sports philantrophy can level the playing field

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

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 of its participants, no matter their socioeconomic situation, but it also unifies cultures and, without doubt, is a significant factor in children’s development. All research indicates that engaging in sport positively impacts everyone’s life. It naturally contributes to physical health, but moreover, it can also be life-changing for mental health by providing confidence, improving social skills and reducing anxiety and stress through the production of endorphins. The life lessons from sport, like teamwork, leadership and dedication, can help in so many aspects of life. Due to its innumerable benefits, everyone should have access to sport. However, where you are born, the colour of your skin and how much money you have are just some of many obstacles to accessing this vital activity. Unsurprisingly, the philosophy of many sports charities is that your place of birth, race, gender and financial circumstances shouldn’t be a barrier to participating in any sport, and it is they who frequently have to step in to level the playing ground. Money is undoubtedly one of the significant hurdles in the chase for that sporting dream. This starts young. When parents can pay for extra coaching and better equipment, their lucky offspring are more likely to succeed.

In the US, youth sports have been transformed by that elusive chase for athletic scholarships offering admission to the best colleges. No expense is spared in training youngsters to save the substantial college fees facing students’ families. Of course, many of these more privileged youngsters may have the natural talent to take them far despite the leg-up from wealthy parents. Still, it also means that many incredibly talented but financially or otherwise disadvantaged youngsters are completely off the radar. In Antigua, Curtain Bluff’s Old Road Fund, one of the most successful private foundations in the Caribbean, as well as helping those in the wider community, has allowed local children from families of modest means to play what is arguably an elitist sport, tennis, and subsequently go on to have success in many different walks of life. The Calvin Ayre Foundation sponsors local sports teams and trains budding Antiguan athletes hoping to catch the eye of US college scouts for scholarships to prestigious post-secondary institutions. Something which would otherwise be entirely out of their range.

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.

In many countries and areas where food is scarce and poverty is widespread, sports are unsurprisingly far down the list of priorities. Thankfully, there are many charitable sporting organisations in place around the globe, although there is still much to do. Keeping youth off the streets, away from delinquency and gangs, is essential in deprived areas where crime is rife. Organisations like the AIR Sports Network in the UK use sport to “rescue troubled lives” amongst ex-gang members and rehabilitate offenders so they can get back into their communities through mentoring, training and support. In Los Angeles, California, philanthropic foundations are recruiting young people to play organised sport to keep them out of the clutches of gangs in the most deprived areas of the city. For people with disabilities, sport is not only liberating and empowering for the athlete themselves but may also serve to reduce stigma and discrimination from the wider society. However, since specialist equipment can be prohibitively expensive, access to sports for the disabled is certainly not a given, especially for persons with limited means. This is where charities and foundations play a vital role. Taking it to the professional level can be even more challenging depending on where the sportsperson was born.

Researchers at Stellenbosch University found that high-income countries like the US, Sweden and Norway were 3.4 times more likely to participate in the Paralympics than low or middle-income countries like South Africa and India, where disability may still carry a stigma. Charities such as the Agitos Foundation work tirelessly to provide opportunities for para-athletes in countries lagging behind more developed nations. Let’s not forget, when a sportsperson has “made it”, they often go full tilt into philanthropy. A host of “celebrity” athletes like Michael Jordan, Cristiano Ronaldo and Serena Williams use their fortunes to make the world a better place. As role models to so many, the causes they champion resonate with the general public. Those like Ronaldo, who came from humble beginnings themselves, are even more inclined to give back and help those in a similar position. Sports have been around since the annals of time, and with their increasing popularity, they will certainly be around as long as humans inhabit the Earth. But it is up to all of us to make sure that the playing field is level for everyone, no matter the lottery of life.

ISSUE 12 • DECEMBER 2021