4 Connecting through sport – your opportunities
Similar to the task in the previous section, this activity prompts you to consider how you can strengthen your global citizenship skills through sports. Try to think of concrete examples as you participate in this activity, as it will not only benefit Session 5 but also help identify specific opportunities for further growth in this skill.
Activity 5 Sporting bridges: promoting global citizenship within your environment
Below are headline ideas suggesting ways for coaches or players to enhance their global citizenship in sports. Naturally, the examples provided will vary depending on the specific sporting context you are in. Identify some opportunities you might have to develop each suggestion.
Suggestions | What could you do |
Cultural exchange (the process of sharing, understanding, and appreciating different cultures and perspectives across the world) | |
Teamwork and collaboration | |
Fair play and sportsmanship | |
Community engagement and social impact | |
Awareness of global issues | |
Volunteer programmes |
Comment
We acknowledge that not all of the suggestions provided may be directly applicable to everyone. However, we encourage you to explore whether any of the following examples can be modified and implemented to suit your particular context and individual circumstances. Adaptation and personalisation are key in making these suggestions relevant and meaningful to your own journey. You might find resonance in some of these points:
- Cultural exchange – by engaging in sports activities, you have the opportunity to interact and build relationships with people from different cultures, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
- Teamwork and collaboration – sport develops essential qualities like empathy, cooperation, and mutual respect, which are fundamental within a global citizenship mindset. These enable people to work effectively with diverse groups, understand different perspectives, and contribute positively to a more interconnected and inclusive community.
- Fair play and sportsmanship – by promoting these values you learn to respect rules, embrace diversity, and compete in a spirit of fairness. These principles align with global citizenship by emphasising equality, respect, and ethical behaviour.
- Community engagement and social impact – sport can be used as a vehicle for community engagement and social impact initiatives. By organising sports events, tournaments, or leagues that address social issues, such as promoting gender equality, inclusivity, or addressing local challenges, you can actively contribute to positive change in your communities.
- Awareness of global issues – sport can be used as a platform to raise awareness about global issues and inspire action. Through events, campaigns, or partnerships with organisations working on societal challenges, you can learn about issues and become advocates for change.
- Volunteer programmes – organisations can facilitate volunteer and exchange programmes that allow individuals to participate in sports-related activities within communities.
By intentionally incorporating global citizenship principles into the structure, values, and activities of sports, you can develop a deeper understanding of global issues, enhance cultural competence, and actively contribute to building a more inclusive and interconnected world.