The Power of Sport

Women in the World

I came across this great article "Beyond Ballgames: The Impact of Sport for Girls" from the Women in the World Foundation. The article focuses on the benefits and significant impact that having non-profit groups dedicated to sport and the development of young girls.

"Sport and physical activity have their own intrinsic benefits for girls, but these groups are using sport for super social impact."

"A growing body of research has linked athletic participation with any number of benefits: better grades, higher self-esteem, life lessons of teamwork, leadership and discipline. "


Check out the article here.


-Kathryn

The Power of Sport: In the community

 Here's a look at Jeb with the kids from the Athletic India Football Club in Abbotsford, B.C.
The AIFC strives to provide essential soccer skills to youth and adults of the Indo-Canadian community while promoting health, fitness, and national heritage.

Jeb had the opportunity to spend time with the kids in the community - he gave them tips and pointers on their game and then took the chance to speak to them about Peace Pandemic.

The AIFC set up a club-wide donation of soccer equipment to contribute to other children in New Delhi; Jeb spoke to the club about leadership and peace, along with the important and significant role they are playing to help children on the other side of the world!

Jeb and Peace Pandemic want to extend a huge THANK YOU to Ajit Sekhon and the Athletic India Football Club!

Check out the AIFC Facebook Page!

Peace&Love

The Power of Sport: The Little Team

A friend of mine recently came across a truly inspiring video of a group of kids on a soccer team called "L'equip petit" or the Little Team. L'equip petit brings a whole new perspective to the way I look at sports... How often do we forget that what we're doing is fun?

"It's fine. They play, they have fun, they learn, they know how to respect the opponent, how to respect their team-mates, they collaborate with the team. We haven't scored any goals yet, but it's fine."

To quote my friend who shared this video with me, 

"The game of soccer is in these kids, its their spirit." 

l'equip petit from el cangrejo on Vimeo.
"We don't care if we don't score because we have fun."

L'equip petit reminds us of what sport is truly about - learning, growing, respect, teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and being able to show your joy, passion, and love for sport.

images via pinterest and lyrics2liveby

Peace&Love

The Power of Sports

One of the goals of Peace Pandemic is to use the positive power of sports as a way of teaching nonviolence, promoting social justice, and encouraging dialogue all over the world.

A recent blog post from a 2012 Olympic hopeful, high jumping athlete Nicole Forrester (2008 Olympian, 7-time and reigning Canadian Champion) highlights the importance of sports and how sports has influenced her life.

"Sports you have created a fire in me, which is committed to achieving excellence. I know no barrier thanks to you! When someone tells me it can’t be done, I think "Where there’s a will there’s always a way, and I just have to find that way.” Sports you have taught me the importance of caring for others and the responsibility we all have as a society to volunteer…. Striving for altruism. I am committed to helping others achieve excellence! I walk with confidence and assurance because of you Sports. I feel blessed beyond words."

Check out the whole letter and her blog here; "The Power of Sports: A Letter of Thanks to Sports"

images via weheartit

Let's use sport to change the world! Let's be the change!