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Cultivate Team Sports and Sportsmanship

by Deborah Mitchell
The Challenge

Participation in team sports and athletic activities are excellent opportunities for children to learn the principles of sportsmanship; to develop physical, emotional, intellectual, and social skills; and to acquire other important life-enhancing values. And let's not forget that team sports are also a great way to have fun. Yet team sports and similar athletic activities are often unavailable or are severely under-funded, especially in developing countries that do not have the resources or personnel to dedicate to these important educational programs.

Play is a critical part of a child's healthy development, and well-planned sports and team sport programs are a chance for children to learn valuable life lessons, including teamwork, discipline, leadership, conflict resolution, respect, integrity, self-confidence and effective communication — all while having fun. Team sports are also an opportunity for children from many different backgrounds, economic means, and social levels to come together and learn how to work toward a common goal. For some children, being part of a team is the only time they can meet and share with individuals who may have beliefs and values that differ from theirs. Participation in team sports also helps children establish friendships they may keep for the rest of their lives.

If you choose to participate in one of the many sports projects for children sponsored in countries around the world, you have the opportunity to act as a role model and to help boys and girls appreciate the value of sportsmanship and develop strong personal and interpersonal skills they can use not only to better themselves but to strengthen their communities as well.

How to Make a Difference
  • In Peru, volunteers are needed to help coach volleyball, soccer, and basketball in local schools and sports clubs. If you have four weeks or more to spare, this opportunity could be for you.
  • If rugby is your game or interest, then Ghana may be your choice of destinations. As a volunteer you will have a chance to coach rubgy in schools in and near Cape Coast.
  • Children in Argentina love sports, but there are limited resources to nurture their desires. Several different sports are taught for several hours each week, so you will have an opportunity to share your guidance with students regarding soccer, field, hockey, rugby, basketball, and other sports.
  • If you have experience as a cricket coach or trainer, you may want to head to India, where the game is extremely popular. For as little as two weeks, you can help children learn and play cricket.
  • Ethiopia is known for its great track and field athletes, and you may help the next generation of stars if you volunteer in the School Sports and Track & Field project. As a volunteer, you will be joining the students on their runs, including long distance workouts.
  • If you are a strong swimmer, then you may want to check out South Africa and a sports program for at-risk kids. Volunteers are needed to help with a swimming and surfing program (you do not need to know how to surf, but strong swimming skills are required). The schools in South Africa are government-run, and funding for sports has been eliminated, which makes the help of volunteers critical.

Participation in team sports is an excellent way for young people to learn valuable life lessons while having fun. You can be a part of their team when you volunteer to act as a coach, trainer, or fellow player.