The Power of Sport

The sure signs of enjoying an outing at the cinema: being glued to the seat while the credits come to an end; the lights come up; the friend who was kind enough to accompany you says he needs to leave because he has work early next morning.

Well, that was me the other night, after watching Invictus.

Personally I found the film truly inspiring.

Not only because you saw a man step out of a cell after 27 years and forgive everyone and everything, but because it showed a clear indication of the power of sport and how it can bring a nation together, in this case, divided by the colour of its skin.

The film does not focus too heavily on the political goings on; more Mandela’s belief that the 1995 World Cup could be the foundations from which to start the re-building of South Africa.

In the years leading up to the tournament, the Springboks weren’t exactly hot favourites; however, the leadership of Pienaar changed that.

He wasn’t how I imagined, not necessarily a man of many words, but when he spoke, people listened.

And so it proved, as the host nation defeated defending champions, Australia, in the opening match to avoiding England and New Zealand in a tricky route to the final.

Back then though, the rugby team was not well supported.

White people were behind the team, while black people cheered anyone who played against the Springboks. However, as the tournament progressed this changed.

By the time the final whistle sounded, skin colour was immaterial; people were hugging in the street and drinking in bars rejoicing in victory.

Proof sport really does bring a nation together.

Two good examples closer to home; look at the 2005 Ashes win and the moment it was announced we had won the bid to host the 2012 games. Trafalgar Square went bonkers; jubilation, hysteria, strangers hugging, screaming, kissing, even people in tears.

It almost seemed like the thousands of people gathered there were one big happy family, which was exactly what Mandela wanted.

He knew it wouldn’t solve everything - but it would break down barriers - and so it proved.

I know sport doesn’t always bring joy, think of the countless summers spent watching the England Football Team fill you with hope and then take it away faster than you can say David Beckham.

Saying that, even defeat brings a sense of togetherness, at least we all wallow in our own self-pity collectively.

I’m in no way saying play sport and everything will be fine but I think you can see what I’m trying to get at.

And in a world never far from its next disaster, I say let’s get down the park and have a kick about, because if you break it down, that was the simplicity behind Mandela’s plan.

(The facts and opinions from this blog have not only come from the film but research prior to its release. From my research Clint Eastwood attempted to portray the actions in this film as accurately as possible).