A Divided People

The term Recreation holds different meaning for different individuals and so there are many ways to define it.  Common themes in recreation are relaxation and enjoyment. For many it means to participate in sport and in Invictus recreational activity brought a struggling people together.

Sport can bring a diverse group of people together. People are drawn to recreational activities as it refreshes both body and mind. Players, spectators, coaches and others must all come together to build the atmosphere that people thrive for in sport settings.   

Invictus takes place in South Africa from 1990-1995, when Mandela assumes the role as the nation's first black President. South Africa is made of two predominately different groups and with the racial tension at its highest Mandela focuses his efforts on the Springboks, the South African rugby team. Mandela uses the Springboks to unite his people by building a cohesive, spirited nation that drives the Springboks to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.  

I feel there were three main scenes where there was clear theme acceptance between the two races:

1. The Springbok team goes out and plays with local kids who are not as privileged as themselves. They connect with locals and find common ground by playing rugby. By doing so a positive relationship is formed and the black people begin to accept the Springboks (who are primarily white) as their own Rugby team.
2. Mandela’s security team are opposed to working with one another at first but over time they find common ground and accept one another and their roles. They begin to relate their enthusiasm for the Springboks as well as their united support for Mandela. Due to national pride and the need for change the security guards are a clear example of a nation that no longer supports the division between its black and white members.
3. The people of South Africa join together to support the Springboks and are so caught up in the spirit of sport that race becomes irrelevant. The black Africans were rebellious against the Springboks initially but they come to accept them and cheer for them. Mandela set an example of acceptance and persuaded the nation to promote their rugby team as a method to create a common interest between the black and white Africans.

The South African nation was able to turn into a community by embracing their similarities and learning to overcome the differences for which they once hated each other. They unite to support their team and their nation and ultimately give the Springboks the support they need to win in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The people of South Africa come to accept one another, and led the country to success. They were a happy, united people and they accomplished a common goal, a huge feat for a country that was so divided.