At a recent development dialogue sponsored by the World Bank, various speakers including civil society organisations, football lovers and administrators could not agree more on what football could do if used as a tool to foster peace and the spirit of coexistence among people.
The UN has long noted the impact of sports in human enhancement. UNESCO's international charter of physical education and sports of 1978 for example states "every human being has a fundamental right of access to physical education and sport, which are essential for the full development of his/her personality."Take a look at the streets of Accra and one would have noticed that if not for anything, the world cup tournament and the Ghana 2008 tournament have opened many opportunities for hitherto unemployed people to make money. Many people, tailors, artists, food sellers and petty traders alike have taken advantage of the current tournament to turn their situations around. The only snag however is that most of the paraphernalia were imported. The country could have reaped the benefits more if our people had the capacity to produce a chunk of the items on sale.
Perhaps, the government should consider bidding for the FIFA under 17 or under 20 World tournaments, considering the benefits this particular tournament brought to many Ghanaians. Truly, hosting such tournaments require huge capital investments, but who thought Tamale or Takoradi would have had such world class stadiums?
All said, there is growing realisation that sports, and football in particular can provide development opportunities like life skills essential for a productive life in society; promote positive values which have a quick but lasting impact on young people.
No comments:
Post a Comment