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.  

Contribute, Create, Change

The Alberta Centre for Active Living has a goal to turn all communities into healthy active communities. To begin bettering these communities someone must begin the initial movement towards change.

Healthy Active Communities: Creating Change in Your Community is an article released from the Alberta Centre for Active Living. They created a three-year initiative, Alberta Active Communities in 2006. The “ARPA selected 10 diverse communities to participate in the Alberta Active Communities” and facilitated their efforts.  

“Without leaders, change cannot happen.”

            -       Carol Peterson, Active Communities Manager

Many members in our communities want change but they do not take the initiative to start change. Organizations like the ARPA are essential to encouraging communities to better themselves. By promoting community development and encouraging the formation of local coalitions, members can begin bettering their own communities. A diverse coalition consisting of individuals with various skills, backgrounds, and needs that collectively help a community thrive and become an active community.

“If you have a vision, if your want to change the status quo, if you want change, then you are a leader.”

            -       Carol Peterson, Active Communities Manager

Alberta Active Communities wanted a diverse group of individuals to step up and facilitate the change, taking place in their community. It is very important, especially in communities that include a diverse people, that the leaders reflect all groups within the community. By having a diverse group of people driving the change and putting forth effort, the results will better reflect the wants of the whole community.

“Older adults, youth, cultural groups, low-income families and other groups are often not heard”

These minorities are commonly disregarded in community decisions because they are not active members in the community. I see this as the largest issue. Most communities will have people step forward and take control in a movement towards change but will they really be working towards goals that satisfy the community as a whole? The ARPA has created a Community Assessment Tool that can help committees help those who do not have the availability or ability to be an active member of the coalition. By using tools like this and encouraging participation in inclusive community activities, the community will be able to develop a vision as a whole and reflect the values of all its members.  

What is community development all about? “It’s about the relationships that bring individuals together to create positive change in their neighborhood.”  Everyone in the community should be involved at some capacity, and remain as active as possible. Being involved in community development helps us to create a better place for ourselves and everyone else that is a part of it. 

to view the whole Healthy Active Communities: Creating Change in Your Community article go to:

http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/publications/wellspring/2008/apr-communities.pdf