Power of Play: The Importance of Sports and Social Good

Posted by

Leagues, athletes, franchises and charities are utilizing the power of sport to improve communities and well-being.

Sports are not just about winning. Sports can be a driver of social change. The late Nelson Mandela once said that “sport has the power to change the world.” He witnessed this when his support of the mostly white South African national team in the 1995 Rugby World Cup had a striking effect on the country recovering from apartheid. “It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does,” Mandela said. “Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.”

Global events like the Olympics display the power of sports and how they can bridge language and cultural barriers. Across the world, sports leagues, teams and their superstars have recognized that sports and social good go hand in hand. Together, they’re doing their best to make the world a better place.

Promoting Health and Wellness

Clearly, participating in sports promotes health and wellness. Athletes can grow in several ways.

Social

Athletes develop key social skills that can help them throughout life. They can learn teamwork and understand the importance of personal responsibility. Time management and organizational skills are also related to participation in sports.

Emotional

Sports can boost self-confidence and decrease stress. Those who participate in sports are less likely to drop out of school or get into legal trouble.

Physical

Of course, athletes improve their physical fitness, strength and coordination. Encouraging long-term healthy living habits is one of the most important benefits of playing sports. Participants can understand just how critical it is to maintain well-being through physical activity.

Making an Impact

Sports organizations have an obligation to their communities. Professional sports make much of their profit via community support. This means it’s in the best interest of teams and players to support those who have supported them. Combining sports and social good can be a way to make a profound impact.

There are countless sports-related charities tackling larger problems. This is especially prominent among professional sports leagues and teams.

Team UNICEF

Team UNICEF is a leader of sports and community development activities around the world.

The sports arm of UNICEF, Team UNICEF recognizes “the unique power of sport.” The initiative focuses on the idea that sports can help break down barriers for children in a variety of ways. Team UNICEF is a leader in sports for development activities around the world, with more sports-based initiatives than any other UN organization.

To accomplish its goals, UNICEF routinely works with the biggest sports stars across the world to inspire youth. With the rank of UNICEF sports ambassadors including David Beckham, Serena Williams, Rory McIlroy, Pau Gasol and many more, the group has used star power to spread its message of growth and development.

NBA Cares

Through NBA Cares, the National Basketball Association has made social good one of its most important initiatives.

The NBA has made social good one of its most important initiatives. Since the launch of the NBA’s charitable arm in 2005, the league and teams have given $270 million to charity and provided 3.5 million hours of service. NBA Cares is the driving force behind the league’s social responsibility programs and works both in the United States and abroad. NBA players, coaches and employees work alongside various charities including the Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, UNICEF, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and more.

NBA Cares uses the star power of players to its advantage, enlisting the league’s biggest names to participate in programs. Whether serving military members, at-risk children or people living in poverty abroad, the league’s efforts are championed by the stars seen on the court.

Reviving Baseball in Inner Cites

RBI uses the power of sport to help revive baseball in inner cities.

In 1986, John Young of the Detroit Tigers noticed a lack of African-American prospects. After investigating further and contacting then-MLB Commissioner Peter Ueberroth, Young was able to start a youth baseball program in Southern California in 1989 with the focus of helping African-American kids discover baseball. Since then, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) has grown to 200 cities worldwide with more than 260,000 boys and girls playing baseball and softball. Since its founding, more than 200 RBI participants have been drafted by MLB clubs.

NFL Foundation

The NFL Foundation has donated more than $368 million since 1973.

Established by the 32 clubs in the National Football League, the NFL Foundation serves as the way for clubs to collectively award grants across the country. The primary initiative is “Play 60,” a program focused on encouraging youth to spend 60 minutes outside playing every day. Other initiatives include grants for youth football programs; investment in Heads Up Football, a safety program; and donations to individual athletes’ foundations. The NFL Foundation has donated more than $368 million since 1973.

MLS Works

MLS Works uses sport for good by addressing social issues both nationally and internationally.

The official community outreach program of Major League Soccer, MLS Works addresses social issues both nationally and internationally. The group has worked closely with the Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund, Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation, UNICEF and many more charity organizations. Recent programs have included donating to local charities with the “Community MVP” program and an effort to advance race relations called “Don’t Cross the Line.” The group also promotes the individual actions of each club, all of which operate their own foundation or charity.

Individual Athletes

Beyond the work of their teams and leagues, many athletes participate in social initiatives on their own through their own charities. Last year, the NBA’s LeBron James committed $41 million to help pay college tuition for kids in Akron who fulfill school and community service requirements. WWE superstar John Cena granted nearly 500 wishes with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and holds the record for most wishes granted through the organization. Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid donated more than $83,000 to a newborn in need of brain surgery and $165,000 to fund a cancer center in his native Portugal. These are just a few examples of athletes using their power to make an impact.

Leading Through The Power of Sport

Through the power of sports, individuals can unite and strengthen communities. At Concordia University Texas, we help students gain the skills needed to excel in sports management. Our online Master of Education in Sports Administration prepares graduates to be ethical leaders. The fully online program allows students to maintain their work schedule and personal commitments.