Cultural diversity within sports teams is a growing reality, present in any team and across all categories.
At Vibliotec, we perceive this diversity as a significant growth potential for the entire team and never as a problem; it is undoubtedly an opportunity when bridges are built to harness this potential.
The cultural richness within sports teams, in itself, is a unique opportunity to promote awareness and mutual respect. But how do we leverage it?
Our proposal is to incorporate sessions of traditional cultural games and sports from the different countries of the team members. Ask everyone to teach their teammates a traditional game or sport from their country of origin, dedicate time to it, and highlight the challenges and joys in that traditional game or sport from their cultural background.
The integration of cultural games and sports in training sessions or other parallel activities will not only add variety and excitement but also becomes a powerful tool to build understanding bridges among team members.
Here, we explore how the inclusion of these activities can strengthen cultural awareness in sports teams.
1. Celebrating Diversity through Games:
a. Benefits of cultural games:
- Promotion of participation: Cultural games involve all players, fostering participation and bond-building.
- Development of communication skills: These games require effective communication, enhancing language skills and understanding among players.
b. Some examples of traditional games from different cultures:
- Kabaddi (India): Introduce players to this physical contact game that promotes speed and strategy.
- Sepak Takraw (Southeast Asia): Combine elements of soccer and volleyball, encouraging coordination and teamwork.
- Siete Piedras (Morocco): Invite players to enjoy this skilful game involving strategic throwing and collecting of stones.
- Lukasa (Central Africa): Encourage players to explore this traditional board game that tells stories through beads and patterns.
2. Building Cultural Bridges:
a. The inclusion of traditional sports will facilitate:
- Discovery of new skills: Incorporating traditional sports allows players to explore and develop unique skills.
- Historical and cultural awareness: Learning about the history and cultural significance of the proposed sport or game adds an educational and respectful dimension.
3. Building Understanding Bridges:
a. Conclude this activity with reflection and dialogue sessions:
- Sharing personal experiences: After each activity, promote reflection sessions where players share their experiences and learnings.
- Open dialogue: Foster open dialogue about the importance of valuing and respecting the diverse cultures present in the team.
b. Practical example: Group reflection sessions:
- What did we learn?: Guide players to reflect on how cultural activities impacted their perception and appreciation for diversity.
- Future planning: Facilitate discussions on how these activities can be continuously incorporated into the team's routine.
4. If you dare, go beyond sports:
a. Cultural activities off the field:
- Visits to cultural events: Organize outings to cultural events or festivals that enrich the learning experience off the field.
- Collaborations with local communities: Establish collaborations with local communities to involve players in cultural projects.
b. Practical example: Cultural volunteering:
- Participation in local events: Invite players to volunteer at local cultural events, fostering interaction with diverse communities.
- Community impact: Highlight how these experiences not only benefit the team but also the community at large.
The potential of a united team in diversity:
The inclusion of cultural games and sports will not only strengthen athletic skills but also build understanding and respect bridges in diverse teams. These activities not only enrich the sports experience but also contribute to the formation of respectful and culturally conscious athletes, creating teams united in celebrating their differences.
Vibliotec