Sports – A Paradigm for Social Integration by Dr. Smith Joseph
When we, Haitians, reflect on the different factors that contribute to the development of a country or a particular community, we often think about the macrostructures such as National sovereignty, International affairs, and so forth. The intra-community activities such as Sports are often neglected and even forgotten by community developers as well as politicians whenever major decisions are being made. Here, in the United States of America, on the other hand, physical education (sports) is always high on the budget of the local governments.
It is an irrefutable fact that lack of physical activities can lead to detrimental sequelae in one’s life. But one can enjoy a robust life if sports are incorporated in his/her daily or weekly schedule. In our beautiful land of Haiti, as we all know it, soccer remains the national sport. I remember growing in Haiti and playing soccer in my school’s team for inter-school championship. That was then – now this no longer exists – So I heard. I also remember the glorious moment in 1974 when every Haitian in Haiti sat by a small AM/FM radio to witness yet another Haitian historical moment – Haiti was in the World cup in Germany. We looked good then.
It doesn’t take a medical doctor like me to tell you that “In order for a team to excel and prosper, his players have to be in excellent physical and mental states. Moreover, making it to the world cup is a long process which requires careful planning and a lot of discipline. Now, soccer is a billion dollar industry. Soccer has taken such a huge leap to another level - the players are signing up contracts in the multi-million dollar ranges. Are we there yet?
Sports have become such a positive social tool that many local governments have incorporated it in their crime prevention programs. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to instill that thirst for sports in our youngsters at a very early age. Sports improve interpersonal skills as well as relationships between different sectors. If we keep the young occupied with sports, their self-esteem will be heightened and their chance for success will be facilitated.
In conclusion, Sports offer abundant benefits to the cardiopulmonary system as well as the musculoskeletal system. As such, sports play a preponderant role in our lives. Everyone who is interested in participating in sports should have a complete physical evaluation by a trained physician. The reason for that is because certain congenital malformations (cardiac or musculoskeletal) and certain metabolic disorders, coupled with vigorous sports can be dangerous to one’s health.
