Where are the resources?
The unifying power of sport can never be underestimated. However, underneath this unifying power is an unspoken but yet very real need from poor communities to have sporting facilities that enable them to embrace sport at the level that allows them to compete on any ground. Some people will argue it is not about the facilities but rather the talent, now really; can talent on its own permit you to play at the global scale. In fact, were the same reasons not used to exclude women in the game? They are not strong enough, fast enough and too emotional to handle the pressure or yes, they can’t be team player, words ones used to justify why sport was not a women’s’ domain . All these factors do nothing but heighten the exclusionary nature of any activity where the playing field is unequal, as such communities that struggle to even have a soccer kit or proper tennis courts and no swimming pools are by virtue of not having these things EXCLUDED from the GAME. Gamechanging is not just necessary but the right thing to do.
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Comments
Lerato, I agree.
Hey Lerato, I agree with your point on how lack of resources inhibits participation and in addition to sporting facilities, there is also very limited access to Internet facilities which is yet another stumbling block but Gamechangers is about beating those obstacles! Let's BEAT these inhibitors, I know we can!
Hey Lerato
Yes limited resources can be a real hindernace but as the saying; says what does not kill makes you stronger. Its the challenges in life that help you discover something about yourself-for instance the Meadowlands Golden Ladies Soccer team. They started with nothing when learning a new game, soccer. But because they were determined, and dedicated they now have some equipment and bibs-graciously donated by the younger boys soccer teams. So the challenges we face are not stop signs, but chances to take the road less taken.
Hi Lerato, Zama & Jackie
I totally agree with Lerato's points but there is a way that we can overcome these obstacles. Previously disadvantaged communities have great games that do not need enormous sums of money to be developed or equipment that costs alot of money.
The challenge for our communities is to take our own games seriously and for business people in our communities to invest in this projects.
We cannot make excuses and say government is not assisting, with the 3 Tin League for instance it was quite a joke when people saw posters of the Chigago Cup in which the winning team gets prize money.
When it really happened people started paying attention and are keen on playing now, becos of this the 3 Tin League has grown from 2 Teams the Tiger Girls and Colchester Girls to ten teams and counting.
The sad thing is that people have to be persuaded by money in order to be proud of their own heritage.
~Bona siya fana -look we are all the same~
Hi,Lerato,Zama & Jackie
and 3 Tin League
I agree totally with you 3 Tin League,we need to take our game extremely seriuos,so many time I have approached goverment to assist with my projects but they always had excuses and would refer me to their other departments(sometimes they did help actually) but I decided to find ther another sources as well to secure funds / facilities. For example: by means of skills exchanges for use of space or facilities this in one way broader my networking not only in the cultural arena but also in the sports and Corporate world. I still find it sad that doing what I am doing there is still a lot of stereotypes and facilities are not accessable, and due to that challenge I manage to secure a partnership with goverment and through this way I could provide workshop about accesablility and awareness sessions, and creating more proactive workshops for young girls, we have just recently opened another movement /dance school for disadvantage young girls in partnership with a community centre in Eldo's to encourage and motive young girls in this area. I would just like to encourage you all to keep persevering and it is women like yourselves that encourages me to persue and I am thankful we have a platform to chat about our burning issues , let keep in connecting.