Sports Can Play A Huge Role for Countries with A Large Youthful Population
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We have talked about the benefits physical activity at a personal level and many people around the World consciously now put in an effort to at least include some level of physical activity in their daily life. We know the benefits, but we are barely paying any attention to it.
From a wholistic perspective, the sporting industry has turned out to be one of the largest and most lucrative in the World. Exceptional Athletes have the opportunity to become genuine celebrities and amass unprecedented wealth. Many are set for life, and are able to extend that wealth to their family and communities.
That is especially true in the developed World where per capital incomes are high and sports is a big deal. Certain sports have more prominence than others depending on the country like the Premier league (soccer) in the UK and the NBA (basksetball) in the USA. These sports are responsible for actively employing Millions of people (especially young people who are athletes) in the value chain.
What it does for many of those young athletes will amaze you at an individual level if they all revealed their story. Take for example Miami Heats star Jimmy Butler who was practically homeless before finding basketball and going on to become one of the better players of his generation with a fortune amassed that will sustain him for life.
The more advanced economies have managed to take full advantage of the potential in sports in order to hand a lifeline for their young population. This is ironic because many developed countries have an aging population. The Countries where young people dominate do not seem to understand the need for tapping into the full potential of the sporting industry.
Having What it Takes?
One might feel that sports as an industry only has a place for thrive in economies that are developed. I beg to differ. It is true that there will likely be disparities between the standards between those kind of economies, but there is the opportunity to record some remarkable progress in those areas. Government can play a role by either building or incentivizing Private sector players to build critical sporting infrastructure and promote the local sporting industry as their own. The end result will be thousands of people taken off the street into relatively well paying jobs with prospects for elevation.
It is worth exploring because a youthful population that deals with a high rate of unemployment is almost sure to be restless. There is always the tendency for violence and crime when people are idle, and sports can really be a remedy.
I feel it is a really obvious and simple solution to unemployment that doesn't get the necessary attention. Sports is a business, and a big one at that with the potential to flourish just about anywhere in the World. Who would've thought for instance that Saudi Arabia will be an attractive destination for live sporting events around the World? No country should sleep on their sporting industry.
@tipu curate
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Thank you
Sport is a business and you have nailed it. It's sad that Nigeria doesn't encourage much of this as it's mostly about politics. Even parents before now frowned against this and I was at the receiving end of missing out on that because I used to be very good with football. Football can be engaging. Youths, I mean talented youths need where to channel their bursting energy and sports is just the right way. We have so many incredible talents but they are wasting away. It's sad.
You are right...engaging in sports can be a gateway from unemployment.
Sport is a very lucrative business, no country should be complacent in its quest to develop sport in the youth. A pity that the most developed countries can get the best slice of the pie.
They recognize its value, something others should be taking notes of
You're absolutely right. Sport is mismanaged most of the times. Funds are properly allow ated or utilized and facilities aren't maintained.
As a business I agree it can improve economies, solve unemployment and create investment opportunities.
However it needs to be looked at from a lifestyle and social view point as well or else well. At the public school, district and state level to create a healthy population. The masses need to get involved in sport as well apart from pro athletes.
Especially as the youth nowadays are less active and have unhealthy diets. That's why lifestyle diseases like cancer, heart disease and stroke are on the rise.
This isn't so relevant to your topic of sport as a business but just sharing in my thoughts.
You make really good points. There should be more effort put in developing sports at the grassroots level so it becomes more socially acceptable from a young age
Thanks! I'm typing this as my kids watch T.V. and eating snacks 🤣
How ironic!
You made a good point. Sports can boost the economy of a country. I wish counties especially in Africa can take Sports serious.