As the world is changing, different ideas and patterns are coming out to fight against climate change ,desertification, deforestation and global warming, so also the introduction of sport came on board to raise awareness among youth and Teenagers
Indeed ,It is estimated that 13% of the population follows science; 71% of the population follow sports .Harnessing the popularity and common ground sports offers is an effective way to raise environmental awareness and action.
Comrade Nurudden Bello is the African director of the African climate reporters who explained to journalists in Nigeria-west African shortly after finishing skating competition among various Nigerian Association of skaters ,which is aimed at uniting the people through sport,
Bello pointed out that sport is a cost-effective, flexible and powerful tool in promoting climate change initiatives in African , because sport brings people together, regardless of their origins and backgrounds, creates strong social cohesion and bonds, and facilitates mutual understanding and dialogue, adding that sport also promotes universal values that transcend language and culture for the promotion and awareness of climate change .
Bello says Sport keeps humans healthy but it can also keep the planet healthy too, also adding that sport has unique potential, and can be used for social change around the world
Bello stressed the importance of exploring all sorts of sporting activities across the African in promoting climate change
The climate activist further explained that , the contribution of using sports in climate change campaign and awareness to communities cannot be overemphasized, adding that the community level sports has the unique power to attract, mobilize and create an atmosphere where people can come together and work together towards the same goal and show respect to one another.
“Additionally, sporting activities like football can serve as a weapon to replace the various weapons like the AK-47 guns, which are used in killing during conflict times. Some countries have accepted sporting activities as a cultural symbol, which is used in bringing individuals of that particular community or country together.
“Sport has a unique power to attract, mobilize and inspire. Its intrinsic values – teamwork, fairness, discipline, respect for the opponent and the rules of the game – can be harnessed in the advancement of solidarity, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
The activist then calls on all Non –governmental organization NGO and Civil societies organization CSO,and Government all all level to immensely double-up in the fight against climate change in the continent
Also responding Comrade mohammed zakariyya who is the west African director of African climate reporters says ,We use sport to let people understand and appreciate each other’s beliefs, values and ways of better life – leading to tolerance, harmonious and peaceful Nigeria and also make them to understand that we must team-up and create awareness about climate to every one in Africa.
Mohammed said Climate change is real ,we must join hand together in educating our youth on the impact of climate change through sport
“Sports can also serve as a conflict prevention measure, helping to forestall the process that leads to the generation of aggression, hatred and fear, which are the key ingredients of conflicts. In the light of the above, sporting activities like football, hockey, volleyball, among others, can be used to help build peace in troubled communities and crisis zone areas,”so also sport can be the answers to most of our question on the various roles the youth can play in creating awareness to climate change
In conclusion, Sports also play the important role of imparting character values, according to Sport and Development.org. Playing sports can help teach honesty, teamwork and fair play. Learning to follow rules and respecting teammates and opponents can also be useful. Experiencing the role of a graceful winner and loser teaches people about being humble, and competition in general can teach individuals about self-respect, confidence and managing stress. Taking on leading roles within your team can also teach leadership, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation.
Sports like Footballs,Tennis, baseball,cycline,Polo games ETc should be encourage
