Sports, whether engaging in it or cheering for it, has always been a method of bringing people together in unity. It gives a sense of unity to the people playing in teams, and also for people rooting for them. Sports play a huge role in community development, as it creates a sense of belonging, transforms individuals into healthier beings, and can even benefit different
communities by including marginalized communities and raising money for charity.

How Do Sports Enhance Community Development?

1.Builds social connections

Sports bring people together and give them a sense of unity. It is a way to form connections and meet new people as they gather with one goal. It also creates a shared meaning and gives a sense of belonging as people come together.

2.Involve different groups that could be marginalized

Groups that are prone to exclusion tend to have health related problems, whether physical or emotional. Sports can involve different marginalized communities, like people with disabilities, refugees, and racial minorities. An example of the involvement of these communities can be seen in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where a team of Syrian refugees participated. Involvement in sports can give marginalized communities opportunities for a better life and help them meet people from different backgrounds.

3.Transforms individuals and changes their wellbeing to the better

Sports make people more active and therefore impacts their physical and emotional well-being. It helps individuals become physically healthier while simultaneously impacting their mental health as it boosts one’s mood and improves self-image. Having a positive self-image and becoming a healthier individual on your own increases the likelihood of successful relationships and expansion of one’s social circle.

4.It can enhance other communities through financial support

Teams and sports organizations can support NGOs and different communities in need through their contributions to charity. The funding raised through engagement in sports can indirectly pour into other communities that may not be directly involved in the sport, but the funding they receive might enhance their quality of life and lead to a transformation in communities.

Reflection Questions:

• How do sports impact nation or city pride?
• What role does sports play in my life?
• What is the impact of sports on physical, social, and emotional health?