Sports are a means to bridge economic inequality gaps

The following report has been submitted by Bawa Lalvani Public School. It talks about their experience of visiting the Government Elementary School, Phulewal (Kapurthala) and introducing various sports activities there.

Sports and games are an integral part of many cultures. From the early days of developing good motor skills to playing sports at the professional level, men and women have come to know the value of playing at least one sport either competitively or for leisure. Unfortunately, though, the economic conditions of the relatively under-privileged sections of society prohibit their community from engaging in sports. Lack of financial resources keeps playing sports beyond the reach of many.

Taking these factors into consideration, Award participants of Bawa Lalvani Public School visited the Government Elementary School, Phulewal (Kapurthala). The participants introduced to cricket, badminton, chess & carrom through instruction and demonstration to young people at the village school. Having received an overwhelming response from the students, the

participants gifted a sports gear to the village school to enable the young students to pursue volleyball, basketball, football, block making toys among other sports. The participants also prepared a plan and executed the same in the form of engaging with young students at the village school in future too.

Even though we acknowledge the pragmatic impact that sports can have on international development and combating poverty, we staunchly believe that sports should not be seen as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution but instead as part of a broader effort towards reducing poverty. Every child regardless of sex, race or physical capability has the right to participate in sports and foster social interaction, inculcate team spirit and have fun, to begin with. Sports programmes, we believe, can go a long way in removing divisive lines of inequality between girls and boys by encouraging girls to participate in sports that have been traditionally played by boys. It is imperative that sports programmes that are implemented in poor communities include all children without prejudice. Click here for more pictures