A Note from Sister Barbara Battista: A Call to Action and a Time for Prayer
It takes a village, and as a Sister of Providence, I know that to be true. Our dear Saint Mother Theodore Guerin said, “We cannot do our work if we all stay in the nest.” Some of us have to get out there. And I am asking you to “get out there.” Human rights and sports do not stay on our radar for very long. Sports roll along from season to season, and we simply cannot wait for the next sports season or our next favorite sports event.
Get out there … on behalf of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6, 2025. In August of 2013, the United Nations declared April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP). The adoption of this day signifies the increasing recognition by the United Nations of the positive influence that sport can have on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development. Make April 6 a target date for next year and make sure it is on your calendar. Consider reaching out to your local media to write a story on this International Day of Sport and report on your local activities.
Get out there… and start working on how to make a difference in your life and others, follow Dr. Mary Hums and Eli Wolf’s formula of Inform, Empower, and Transform.
1. Sport has the Power to Inform. Transform yourself and others. Tell them what you already know about Human Rights and Sports and the benefits of sports and participation. Listen to their opinions and experiences. Take notes and ask what they would like to see locally.
2. Sport has the Power to Empower. In taking on this Call to Action, you are empowering yourself and others to make a difference. Now that they have listened, do not take it all on yourself, engage the community. We are stronger in numbers – just like a team. Write down the tasks and ask for volunteers to follow through and report back. And call them … And encourage them … Recognize them… Thank them.
3. Sport has the Power to Transform. And you, too, will be transformed as you help make a difference in your community. You will transform yourself, the participants and your community. Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said, “Sport, at its core, is a celebration of the human being. Of being human, of vitality.”
Following Dr. Mary’s “Inform, Empower, and Transform,” I am asking you to reflect on this: Can you encourage your community to make a difference by doing something to support Human Rights in Sport before April 6 of next year? Get out there … and brainstorm with your community…
→ Look at the facilities and think about universal design – are your facilities accessible? If not, say something. Find out who is in charge of the facility. Remember and keep in mind that we are all just temporarily able-bodied people. Therefore, speak for the collective today and the future.
→ Male athletes have a more public persona than women. Can you help with lifting the public persona of female athletes in your community or your sport?
→ Think about sports on a community level – no matter what the sport is – we should have access… the right to participate in society and the right to live a healthy life.
→ Look into Community Nutrition. Can you help with getting healthy food for athletes regardless of their skill level and accomplishments?
→ 40 percent of teen girls do not participate in sports compared to 25 percent of teen boys. The Women’s Sports Foundation is “building a future where every girl and woman can play, be active and realize her full potential.” The Equity Project has a pledge that you can read and sign here on behalf of The Women’s Sports Foundation.
These organizations might give you some ideas to help you make a difference where you live and where you want to be active.
- Little League Challenger
- Play Tennis Midwest
- American Corn Hole
- US Soccer
- TOPS Soccer
Inspiration from Dr. Mary Hums
When we asked Dr. Mary what prayer or song inspires her work, she said “Finlandia” by Sibelius. Here it is with English lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CuvFMwrEN0. Be inspired as you listen and pray to get ready for April 6 and your work in the “advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.”
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What great ideas! Looking at accessibility and advocating for it…promoting sports but especially the overlooked women’s sport…all tasks easy to take on. Thank you for these ideas and this article, Barb.