Sports contribution to Caribbean development

HELLO AGAIN, everyone. The last two weeks have been rather interesting as it relates to learning about Caribbean regional integration. I have taken the liberty to add a few pointers on the same topic. In this week’s lesson, you should be able to:

Discuss the contributions of sports to Caribbean development.

Outline the way in which sports affect human development.

CARICOM’S ACHIEVEMENTS

CARICOM has been seen as an entity which has transgressed shared colonial history by propelling its member states and associates member states to economic integration and social development (McNeil, 2014). Since the 46 years of establishment, CARICOM has accomplished numerous achievements that have benefited the entire region. Gonzales (2002) has purported that CARICOM countries, by acting together by articulating their mutual interests and sharing the fixed costs of international negotiations, have been able to increase their collective strength and acquire more bargaining power. In addition to this stupendous execution, CARICOM has been an effective political instrument in joint negotiations on trade and investments with larger countries. HISTORY OF SPORTS IN THE CARIBBEAN

In the Americas, sports may range from football, netball and rugby to even cockfighting, which is actually government-sanctioned throughout Latin America and some Hispanic Caribbean countries. Sports may be defined as rule-bound physical activities that are played at informal and formal levels (Nauright, 2012, page 1). Based on historical research, it has been gathered that sporting activities have been present in the Americas even during the pre-Columbian era. To prove this point, I will pull on past records that have shown that the Amerindians, particularly the Tainos, usually played a ball game called batos. Archeological evidence shows that this game was played on a marked field with two teams trying to hit the ball with their hips, knees, heads, elbows and shoulders into their opponents’ goal line. Ostensibly, Nauright (2012, page 1) enunciated that these indigenous sporting activities were often attached to some form of ritual or served a religious purpose. By the middle of the 19th century, indigenous sport forms had been marginalised and were virtually inconspicuous across Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, many of the traditional colonial sports that replaced the pre-Columbian sporting landscape had been successfully and strategically suppressed as societies opted for practices thought to be modern or progressive (Nauright, page 7).

CONTRIBUTIONS OF SPORTS

Throughout the years, sports have made long-lasting contributions to the development of the Caribbean region. Economically, sports have created job employments for persons in the areas of nutrition, fitness and massage therapy, physiotherapy, among others. In addition, sports have garnered sponsorships from local and international corporations for events such as track and field as well as netball. Moreover, this has helped in boosting tourism for the region, and this ultimately helps to aid in countries’ gross national product (GNP). The annual ISSA/ GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships is like a magnet for many tourists from all over the world, who hunger to partake in this local spectacular event where high-school students compete for the coveted title of sporting champions of the year.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and strokes are undoubtedly on the rise, especially among young Caribbean people. It would almost seem that gone are the days when children from the neighbourhood would gather together to play ‘dandy-shandy’, ‘ring-a ring-o-roses’, hopscotch, ‘one-two-three red light’, among other leisure activities that would keep the organs functional and promote fitness. Instead, many are preoccupied with their tablet, cell phones and other technological devices. Scientific studies have, however, proven that sports increase energy levels, boost mood and attitude, and help the body adjust to even routine activities that can cause bleeding and other complications, especially in joints and muscles weakened by lack of movement. In essence, sports is seen as a fundamental instrument for improving health. Medical evidence shows that participation in physical activities is the most cost-effective and sustainable way to tackle the rise in non-communicable diseases. Significantly, most of these health benefits can be obtained from at least 30 cumulative minutes of moderate physical activity each day.

SPORTS AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

High-school and college varsity sports have been considered a significant part of many countries’ educational process for centuries. Once again, by pulling on the tenets of history, the obsession with varsity athletics exploded after World War II, when countries such as Britain and the United States became superpowers, and the intensity and seriousness of sports reflected their world-power status. This has led to the common belief that athletics contribute positively to the educational experience for all students.

In the same breath, arguably, it may be denoted that physical activity is vital to the holistic development of young people, fostering their physical, social and emotional health. The benefits of sports reach beyond the impact on physical well-being, and the value of the educational benefits of sport should not be underestimated. It has been observed that students who are involved in sports are generally more disciplined in their academics, plus sports aid in motor-skills development and performance. This shows that there is a harmony between psychosocial development and physical activities.

Interestingly, the New York Times recorded that schools which offer sports tend to produced self-disciplined leaders and, furthermore, tend to have higher graduation rates than schools that do not. Through sports scholarships, many young people are able to further their studies even at notable universities across the globe. This lucidly shows that sports have tremendous benefits to the field of education.

CONCLUSION

Succinctly, it may be asserted that sports have helped to shape Caribbean identity through contributions of cricket, track and field and netball. Moreover, this lesson proves that there are a plethora of benefits from being involved in a sport. It helps with the boosting of one’s self-esteem, morale and work ethics. Additionally, sports have made significant contributions to the Caribbean’s economy, tourism sector, and helped with the advancement of educational opportunities for many.

That is it for this week. Please attempt the question below. Blessings!

PAST-PAPER QUESTION

(2003) “Sports have made a major contribution in the Caribbean”. To what extent do you agree with this statement? (30 marks)