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The Cold Shoulder
I've been working recently on the Winter Olympics. And throughout my months of doing so, the question of its appeal to the masses has been questioned by all involved. Its appeal to young people specifically has only had an injection recently due to the inclusion of snowboarding (the introduction of BMX is soon to follow and with skateboarding being showcased at the 2008 Bejing games probably means that sport is on its way to becoming included too).
Is it just me that thinks the Olympics generally is an event for the well off? How many average teenagers do you see that have an active involvement and opportunity to train and be considered/included in the teams to represent our country? Maybe thats an unfair statement, because 'inclusion' can only be the best, and not everyone can reach that position.
I'm thinking about how distant the opportunities are from the masses of young people… Winter Olympics, you're having a laugh aren't you? Where around here are there any opportunities to train for that? We have one snow dome in Birmingham and that's it. Ok its in the middle of the country, but you still couldn't train for the bob-skeleton for example there.
For hundreds of years we've trained and played on grids of grass and clay with nets and balls, well kids don't want that anymore… sure some do… but I bet there's more out there that don't. I feel pretty passionate about sports opportunities for young people. I'm not sure why exactly. But its there, and consistant in my thoughts. Its probably to do with me being a fed up kid years ago and wishing to be given a chance to try new things that were beyond my reach.
At least alternative and urban sports such as inlining, BMXing and snowboarding are putting the opportunities and fresh motivation back into the young people, achieving anything and feeling good about yourself is hard enough to do without a penny to your name and a car to travel with, let alone finding access to take part in a sport that requires several thousands of pounds and tuition fees and equipment just to get started.
Thankfully though one of the greatest driving forces in these 'available sports' is the free chemical release of endorphines into the brain and adrenaline to the body. At least you don't need a healthy bank account and loaded parents to achieve that 'high'.
Contributed by Mark.
Filed by DK on March 16 2006
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