A Sporting Chance

A couple of sports-themed movies have been playing in local theaters recently, telling of youngsters’ dreams of emulating their sporting heroes. The young characters are just like the little boys and girls we see around us, playing on the local soccer fields or badminton courts, some of the millions hoping one day to become a world beater.

Sports used to garner respect, with athletic achievements acknowledged as a way to raise the nation’s status internationally. That was then; today, becoming a champion has become a dream too far for most kids. Many parents, learning how little security there is for past sporting heroes once their playing days are over, steer their children back to the classroom or to other activities (including the financial rewards from becoming a “celebrity”).

The budding Liem Swie Kings (the hero of the movie King) and Yayuk Basukis of the tennis court face too many obstacles today, from the oft-cited lack of funding, scarce opportunities for development, poor facilities and dearth of qualified coaches, to fulfill their potential. If they do have the family support and self-determination to forge on with their aspirations, they eventually face the complicated politics and bureaucracy of national sporting organizations.

With the odds stacked against them, it’s even more of an achievement when our athletes, such as boxer Chris John, do become world champions through their grit and vision and will to win. It’s that will from all concerned that is needed to help Indonesia get back on the podium.

-Bruce Emond

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