The 8th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) formally kicked-off yesterday after a rigorous screening exercise which lasted two good days. As at the last count, 30 states had turned up in Asaba. Surprisingly, Rivers State as at yesterday was still nowhere to be found.
The opening ceremony, reminiscent of that of last year, witnessed an unprecedented crowd. It has never been like this as the mobilisation team went the extra mile to mobilise thousands of people to the ultra-modern Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
However, this piece is not about winning at all costs syndrome, which is deeply rooted in our blood with an appeal to the officials, referees to allow the better State win. As stated in this column last week, the aim and the objective of the youth games is to catch them young, train them and when they grow, they will live up to expectations.
The late Pope John Paul II expressly stated it in one of his messages to the Olympic Committee some years ago. According to him, the role of Sports should be a vehicle that contributes constructively to the harmonious and complete development of man, body and soul. The vision, therefore, is to foster a culture of sport that is an instrument of peace and brotherhood among the 30 States that turned up for the 8th edition. Among those missing is Rivers State where the Governor, Fubara Siminalaye is battling with Nyesom Wike over the control of the oil rich State.
Ladder and Mathisen (1999) noted that problems in the Sports culture, which include cheating, rule violations, ego exaggeration could be avoided if all behave in a professional way. Therefore, as the games moves on, athletes should not be exposed to risky behaviours.
The issue of corruption and perversion that some sports people exhibit has always been our bane.
Furthermore, there is a growing belief that states no longer imbibe the true spirit of sportsmanship and tends to win at all cost. An obsessive focus on monetary gain, and at all cost mentality that fosters disrespect for competition and society has eaten deeply into our fabrics.
Athletes should, therefore, be told in clear terms not to violate both civil and moral codes through drug abuse, alcohol, violence and unnecessary gambling.
The reduction in fair play and sportsmanship is so rooted among our sports men and women. The truth is that the only language many of them understand now is to win at all costs.
Arguably, observers go about with the notion that sports is no longer pure due to over emphasis in winning at all cost.
This tendency may be due to a number of factors. Some sports administrators do promise their governors heaven and earth after claiming a huge sum of money. They will therefore want to justify that with forced success gained at the detriment of others. Some do it due to the pressure from the general public who expect much from them.
If we do not play by the rules, we are indirectly ruining the spirit of the game. Without fairness and trustworthiness, the established order of our society is at risk. Good sportsmanship entails the practice of displaying respect, fairness, empathy towards opponents, officials and team mates.
It involves maintaining a respectful and fair attitude towards fellow players, promoting a positive gaming. These principles lie at the heart of a healthy competition, transcending mere wins and losses.
For athletes and competitors, integrity should be the bedrock upon which their actions rest.
In this edition, therefore, we need transparency in officiating, screening, unbiased judgement and zero tolerance for corruption. We crave for respects for opponents, recognising the humanity in others.
Rivalries need not be fuelled by animosity; instead, they can be respectful exchanges of skill and determination.
The legendary basketball player, Magic Johnson once said ”you show respect by how you play the game and how you treat your opponents “.
Winning graciously is as important as losing with dignity. Accepting defeat without blaming external factors or sulking shows resilience and maturity.
In conclusion, let’s do everything to educate the next generation that winning is not everything and character matters.
