Sport has always been close to my heart, the camaraderie, the passion, the constant striving to be the best one can be. These are all aspects people can and should incorporate into the daily living standards we set for ourselves. Sport is more than just a couple of human beings running around attempting to complete a variety of tasks. Sport is an influencer.
Nelson Mandela was the on of first to realise the significance of sport and utilise it to unite a nation, famously saying “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.” The Rugby World Cup victory in 1995 rattled throughout the entire world. It was a great victory on and off the field. People of previously conflicting ethnic backgrounds came together to celebrate what one group of players had achieved in representing them. The significance of this was great having only broken down apartheid the year before, it was important for South Africa to announce themselves globally.
I have felt the power of sport. In 2016 I lived in Cape Town and being a Stormers fan I spent every home game in the stands shouting like an excited 4 year old because that was my happy place. However, it was a happy place for 20 000+ Capetonians every odd weekend. Regardless of ethnic background, political views, or anything sensitive and contradictory for that matter, if you had a Stormers jersey on you were automatically adopted into a 20 000 strong family. People greeted you like a long lost lover, sharing their passion and delight for seeing you. Sometimes I actually had to stop and think, ‘Do I know that person from somewhere?’. It was the same moment when I truly understood Nelson Mandela’s vision, every issue that plagues our country was bridged by the simple fact that everyone supported the same team. Goosebumps shoot up my arms writing this simply because what else in the world can unite a group of strangers so easily and so seamlessly?
2019 saw a huge World Cup win for the Springboks, some believe it rivalled the 1995 victory and I am inclined to agree. I was not born for the 1995 victory so 2019 may receive some bias, regardless of this, South Africa was and still is experiencing a huge gender based violence crisis. The country needed something to cheer about, the mood was gloomy, people were afraid. The Springboks first showed their support against gender based violence in a warm up game against Japan. Makazole Mapimpmi scored a try after which he ran over to the camera and pointed at his wrist where “RIP Nene” was written. This sent shockwaves through the country as he was paying his respects to Uyinene Mrwetyana, a tragic martyr in our war against gender based violence. It was clear from that point, the Springboks were in touch with the people at home and were doing their part.
Siyamthanda Kolisi lifted the World Cup as the first and only black Springbok captain to date. It was a huge moment for the inspirational figure whose story began in Zwide township outside Port Elizabeth. Kolisi has displayed unparalleled humility throughout his career, particularly so with the Rugby World Cup in his hand, since then he has urged young children to dream and believe because anything is possible in sports. Kolisi started a campaign called FOM x Kolisi which sold shoes. The proceeds have been put towards the construction of rugby fields in the townships, the first of which has already been built. This is the power of sport.
The Springboks won the prestigious Laureus Team of the Year award this month and in the vote of thanks when collecting the award Kolisi again urged people to dream. Kolisi also challenged all other sportsmen to keep doing what they’re doing and further said, “We really touch lives in the way governments and politicians can’t do”
*Goosebump warning*
The power of sport is clear and the power of rugby in South Africa is evident throughout the history. Running Rugby in a lot of senses is and will be similar to other publications, however, I hope to bring a more fan based perspective. I want those who commonly have little to no interest in rugby to engage and understand why sport is a huge media focal point on a global scale. Not many bloggers have attempted to illustrate this, I hope to do so and in doing so share the power of sport to squash sensitive issues. Sport is the key to humans truly coexisting. Siya Kolisi is living and breathing evidence of this. Running Rugby is designed to depict this power whilst still maintaining the news value aspect.
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