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One of the reasons I am in sports
Last year I had the opportunity to be part of an international group of Managers in Sport, participating in a higher level of sports management course. It was one of those moments that I realized that the potential of sports is so high, that it opens doors. Doors which normally are closed based on religious, cultural and political reasons.
During a dinner I sat next to Maria from Costa Rica and Joel from Eritrea. It wasn’t until Joel showed me a military pass stating that he is a soldier, that I got involved in their conversation. I learned that five years after Eritrea got independent, and the war began against Ethiopia, every man in Eritrea was obliged to join the army. Joel told us he was one of the soldiers, but he didn’t answer Maria’s question whether he also killed people.
Maria spoke very negative about the war, and clearly stated to don’t understand why people still own weapons or even start wars. She described her peaceful situation back home and told us that her country doesn’t even have an army.
I expected that Joel would leave the conversation for what it was, but he surprised me by asking Maria with a smile the following question: “How would you feel if your neighbor country started a war, for the simple fact to get access to the harbor and the ocean?”
He explained us the motives behind the war, and got Maria really thinking. She said later that in principle she is against any war, but that she understands now why Joel has fought for his country. We continued talking about sports, and how Eritrea tries to use sport to give the youth some alternative opportunities for the future.
I later realized that if it wasn’t for sports, we wouldn’t have had that dinner and interacted about this topic. I felt fortunate to have been there and especially grateful to be working in sports. I have different reasons that I choose for sports, like helping athletes, and being on a daily basis involved in a healthy and positive environment.
But the secondary reasons were not so obvious when I made this choice. The humanitarian effects of sports, connecting cultures and social development are aspects that make it even more challenging and interesting.
Are you in sports? If so, please share your motives with all of us.
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July 5, 2011
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Alicia Jay @ TranscriptionE-Services said:
Hi Remco!
This was a great story and a wonderful chance to learn about others. I liked that Joel’s country gets youth involved in sports. I know of several non-profit organizations that set up youth sports programs in different countries to teach team building, cooperation and other essential skills. This proves your point that sports can really open doors.
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July 6, 2011
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admin said:
Thanks for your nice comment!
Remco
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July 7, 2011
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Andrew said:
why am i insport,im in sports because i like sports because it help me get a college education and also go on to play probaseball for san francisco giants.
It changed my life around by having sports under my belt.My challenge is trying to promote baseball in jamaica and start a league for the youths of jamaica.
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July 7, 2011
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Mark said:
Why? - I am not in management per se but I played as average player in college. So my best contribution to a team has been the job I do. Oh yes the professionalism. The travel has been fun but I would like to do more international travel. That would require a new job.
My biggest challenge. People recognizing my overall abilities. What I really can contribute. How I really am a positive for any organization
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July 7, 2011
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Henry said:
Dear Remco,
Good to be in touch again!
Why am i in sports? Simply, because “sports is in me”.
Because challenge is? Shifting mindsets from traditional to digital way of dealing with/administrating sports
Hope this helps,
Regards,
henry
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July 8, 2011
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Dennis Miller said:
Hi Remco,
Always been involved in sport (swimming) as athlete and technical official and now administrator…
Professionally, getting athletes from the Pacific properly prepared for the London 2012 Olympic Games is the biggest challenge right now..
Regards,
Dennis Miller
Executive Director
Oceania National Olympic Committees
Fiji