Sports is a global language, just the way music and art is. It is a strong and successful way to reach out to communities in order to bring them together, educate them, and promote peace and equality. African countries have taken a keen interest in sports, encouraging their youth to participate for a better life and a more secure future.
This article will delve into how and why Africans turn towards sports and which ones in particular. It will also be talking about the many ways it has impacted the lives of the African youth for their betterment.
Why are Africans turning to sports?
For better health- physical, emotional, and mental, to promote happiness and empowerment in the youth are the main reasons the Africans have resorted to sports for their children. According to Forbes, 14 countries in Africa are ranked as the ‘Saddest Countries’ in the world. Playing a sport helps in channelizing negativity into something more positive and fruitful.
The low graduation rate in African countries has always been a problem to address. However, sports open a window of hope for the growing children to work hard and prove their talent to move ahead in life. It has merely become an alternative to education in some African communities.
Which sports are the most popular amongst Africans?
Without a thought, Soccer is the most popular and most cherished sport in Africa. In 2010, for the first time in the history of the continent, The FIFA World Cup was hosted in South Africa. Africa has been considering hosting the Summer Olympics 2024 in South Africa to encourage sportsmanship and the many avenues it opens along the way.
Adding to the list follows- Cricket, Rugby, Basketball, and Wrestling, to name a few.
Some successful African athletes
Here is a list of some African athletes who have turned their lives through sports.
- Mohamed Gammoudi is the only Tunisian Olympic medalist to date.
- Chad Le Clos is a swimmer with many international titles to his name.
- Hicham El Guerrouj is from Morocco and is still the world record holder of outdoor 1500 mile and 2,000metre events.
- Mohamed Salah is an Egyptian footballer who is a part of Liverpool’s Premier League Club.
- David Andrew Miller is a South African cricket superstar.
The impact
Over the years, many African athletes have played internationally, intending to bring about peace more than medals and trophies. In a speech, Nelson Mandela said, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” This is true to its meaning.
Sports and its advocates have helped in creating awareness against HIV Aids, which has prevented communities from getting affected. The positive influence of these African athletes has created an impact on the lives of people in Africa.