Self-Esteem Directed Towards Community
Winning can be defined as the science of being totally prepared.
Sport is one area where no participant is worried about another’s race, religion or wealth: and where the only concern is ‘Have you come to play?’
Citius, altius, fortius. (Swifter, Higher, Stronger)
In viewing the three quotes above, we can detect some important aspects of sports philosophy. In an age of increasing teen drug use, pregnancy and crime, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists and sports providers have begun to recognize the significance of sports for building character, self-esteem, ethics and a sense of community among the young. The engaging in athletic activities not only promotes the above, but it helps promote the development of a sound body. Sports also provides young children positive role models, without which many of them turn to gangs, drugs and other pursuits that are self-destructive as much as they are socially destructive. In viewing the above three quotes, we see three main concepts or philosophies underlying participation in sports. The first quote argues that being prepared is often equated to winning. This also applies to life outside the sports environment. The second quote suggests that sports is blind to the differences that normally stratify and separate society. Thus, the all-encompassing and accepting nature of sports from making only one distinction everyone works toward (winning) helps to promote community and the coming together of diverse individuals in a shared goal. Certainly, modern day society needs to find a way of achieving this outside of the sports environment-in our schools, businesses and communities. The last quote above, more a motto, highlights the goals of sports that promote physical and mental development. By focusing on mind and body development that is swifter, reaches higher and becomes stronger, sports activity not only promotes athlet...