Shaping The Society Through Sports

Sports followership has received major boosts around the world thanks to technology. Gone are the days when most sports teams only had supporters in their local environment. The sports fandom has become a global franchise, with teams pooling followers and lovers from continents and localities whose language they do not speak. 

Fans are also ready to travel thousands of miles to see their favorite sports teams and athletes compete for victory. Given the entertainment and joy derivable from sports, humans have also found several methods to monetize these activities. One such way is through wagering bets on top Irish betting sites hoping for bumper returns. 

Realizing the significant role that sports play in our daily lives, teams and athletes are beginning to tackle societal issues as a way of giving back to society. These issues cut across all aspects of society, from gambling addictions to knife crimes, environmental pollution, and gun violence. 

In this article, we examine a few times that sports teams and athletes have brought the negative impacts of these topics to the world’s attention. 

1. Arsenal: Arsenal launched its “No More Red” movement in 2022, bringing Premier League stars like Ian Wright and actor Idris Elba on board in an attempt to curb knife crime and gang-related violence in London. The movement saw the team ditch its traditional red and white jersey for an all-white outfit in their FA Cup match against Oxford United. Arsenal launched the jersey last season in their FA Cup game against Nottingham Forest, symbolizing the red color on the home jersey with those of the knife crime victims.
2. Real Madrid: In 2016, Real Madrid embarked on an environmental sensitization drive, which involved wearing jerseys made from recycled plastic. The recycled plastic was sourced from the Maldives’ coastal areas to draw awareness to the dangers of plastic to marine life and the earth’s ocean bodies. Real Madrid did this movement in conjunction with an environmental protection organization called Parley for the Oceans and Adidas. Other clubs who have joined the sportswear giant Adidas in this drive include Juventus, Bayern, and Manchester United in celebration of Earth Day 2018.
3. Colin Kapernick: Colin Kapernick is an American quarterback and former San Francisco 49ers player. The now free-agent NFL player sent shivers down the spine of many as he took a knee during the national anthem back in 2016. According to Kapernick, his kneeling was intended to draw attention to racial inequality and police brutality against blacks in America. Kapernick’s protests garnered support and attention in the wake of the George Floyd murder and is one of the reasons why Premier League players take a knee before every game. It isn’t the first time an individual athlete has protested against racial inequality in the United States, as Tommie Smith and John Carlos gave the Black Power Salute after winning medals at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico.
4. BGC’S “When The Fun Stops, Stop” Campaign: The British Gaming Council, a body that includes industry players and some top betting sites in Ireland, launched the “When The Fun Stops, Stop” campaign to address problem gambling and addiction. Funded by several big names in the industry, including top Irish betting sites like Betway, Bet365, and William Hill, the campaign seeks to promote responsible gambling in the sports world. The campaign has morphed into the “Take Time to Think,” which encourages setting deposit limits and time-outs as essential tools in gambling moderation.

Other ways in which sports franchises and athletes are making a societal impact include educational programs, volunteering, charity, community development, and fan appreciation clinics. Asides from helping drive positive change in society through these programs, the fans also get a feeling of love and visibility from the brand they have shown loyalty over the years. 

It is undeniable that sports form a major part of our lifestyle, unifying us across diverse backgrounds, races, gender, and political differences. This singular attribute is key to ensuring that our societies and the world at large become a better place. By addressing vital areas of human endeavor in a language that we all love and share a passion for, the messages of love, togetherness, equality, and climate change are better passed and understood.

The five rings of the Olympics perhaps best represent the message of unity in sports. The five rings represent each continent and its athletes coming together under one roof to compete healthily in a central location without any discrimination or regard for historical backgrounds.

Underage gambling is an offence. You must be over 18 years old to gamble.

Any form of gambling should always be fun, playing in a way that is right for you. It’s good to set limits, take time out or set up reminders.

Please gamble responsibly and in moderation.

For more information on the tools available to help to keep you safe or if you want advice or support you can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (England, Scotland and Wales or visit Gamblingtherapy.org).