All across the world, sport can be used as a vehicle for connecting individuals, promoting positive traditions, and empowering communities. In the last year, I have witnessed first-hand the relentless work organizations and VISTA members have done to deliver virtual sports programming to support youth. This has brought solidarity and hope to communities that experienced the greatest difficulties during the pandemic.

In honor of International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, celebrated on April 6th, we asked Up2Us VISTAs: “How can sports be used as a tool for promoting peace?”

Read their thoughts below. 

Katie Frawley - Students Run Philly Style - Philadelphia, PA

Track and field and cross country were staples of my life throughout middle school, high school, and college. Through the avenue of running, I met my best friends, was introduced to my innermost self, and learned about how the world works. I think that many people often think of running as an individual sport, which is absolutely true at times. However, the most important part of running for me up to this point has been being part of a team - this is the level at which unbreakable bonds are created between runners, culture is shaped, and community is formed.

Currently, I find myself as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Students Run Philly Style (SRPS), a Philadelphia nonprofit that transforms students’ lives through running and mentorship. If I had any doubts about the team nature of running, SRPS has cleared them all. Through the intentional creation of a diverse and inclusive running community, juvenile justice and LGBTQ+ programming, and accessibility through free shoes, gear, and transportation, SRPS has created one large family that spans every zip code of Philadelphia. Furthermore, SRPS has adapted carefully and intentionally to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a space where students have been able to come together and support one another even more than usual.

My personal running experiences as well as my time at SRPS so far have proved to me the power of viewing running, and other sports, through a team lens. Using this unique team lens allows us to interrupt traditional narratives in society that encourage us to compete and succeed at the expense of one another. Medals, accolades, and personal records aside, the heart and foundation of sport is about bringing people together in community.

A strong, intentional community organically creates practices and values of inclusion, collaboration, cooperation, mutual support, and solidarity. When we care for one another and work as a team, these are the principles that follow. Therefore, I believe that applying the community foundation and team lens of sports to broader society allows us to imagine and envision a more just, equitable, and peaceful world.”

Maxbova Joseph - Up2Us Sports - New York, NY

Sports are a powerful tool that unites people. Sport provides an outlet for peace because it brings people together across boundaries, cultures, and religions. I use sports to provide a safe space to inspire and motivate youth in my community. Learning life skills bigger than the games we play. Exploring who you're and all that you have to offer to the world. Sports saves lives and guides the footsteps of some of our most powerful leaders. Athletes who become leaders and inspire change in others.

Sarah Chavez - SheIS - Chicago, IL

Sports hold a great power and within every sport experience, there is opportunity for incredible development. While these positives are not promised, we can work to ensure that every sport experience leads to positive change and development in people and the communities they are a part of. 

With careful care and instruction, sport experiences have the power to change lives. They have the power to teach important lessons of healthy lifestyle choices, teamwork, leadership, humbleness and humility, along with countless others. They can serve as a beacon of hope for those looking to change their lives. They can connect people from every walk of life, from every part of the world. We can learn to appreciate what makes us different, learn from others’ experiences and leave the field, not only as a better player but person. 

While sports do not inherently have the power to promote peace, the sport environment and experiences we cultivate do. As professionals in sport, we have the responsibility and power to create meaningful sport experiences for everyone, ensuring that every sport experience promotes peace.