I wish someone had told me how much sport can bring worlds together!

“I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. Each week we hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that’s recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so. This week’s post is by Stella Carter

Most South African households have a strong sport appreciation. As South Africans, we are passionate about our sports and especially about “OUR” sports teams. The recent Netball world cup, held in Cape Town and the current FIFA Women’s World Cup, being held in NZ & Aus, is evidence of how much pride and passion we carry for our sports heroes.

So what is it about sports that brings us together so strongly? What is it about sports that can solve conflicts, provide universal inspiration, or simply deliver distraction and entertainment, even if just for a small moment in time.

Nelson Mandela recognised the unique power of sport to heal and bring together a deeply divided South Africa. At a time of great tension over his appointment as the country’s first black president, Mandela appeared on the field after the Springboks won the 1995 Rugby World Cup, wearing the team’s traditional green jersey and cap. The Johannesburg stadium was filled largely with white South Africans, who were initially stunned but soon starting chanting “Nelson! Nelson!” in a moment that will be remembered for ever as the ultimate example of sport’s power to heal division.

Mandela said, “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. Sport can create hope where there was only despair.”

Sports have always had an unmatched ability to bring people together. It serves as a powerful tool that transcends boundaries language barriers and cultural differences uniting individuals from all walks of life, encouraging cultural exchange and cohesion. Watching all the different countries gathered together at the Cape Town International Convention Centre over the past 10 days, cheering for, not only their own country, but other countries too, was incredibly inspiring. It gave a sense of unity and respect. It was beautiful to watch and left me with a sense of comfort and hope.

All eyes are now firmly set on the #Bokke to bring home the gold!