The power of sport can help Britain’s riot-torn communities come together, according to John Rider, West Midlands chairman of the Institute of Directors.
And he urged the kids of today to use the 2012 London Olympics as a focus on which to build.
But Government and local authorities needed to play their part by providing playing fields and pitches. A shortage of facilities was an issue.
“Sport is a great healer,” stressed Mr Rider, who is also chairman of Birmingham County Sports and Physical Activity Partnership which is behind the Community Games, a West Midlands initiative inspired by, and in celebration of, the Olympics and Paralympics. It was launched recently in Cannon Hill Park by former UK Athletics chief executive and one-time 5000 metres record holder David Moorcroft, and runs from now through the Olympic period.
Mr Rider said it was clear from those coming before the courts that the rioters were from many different backgrounds and of all ages. It was quite wrong to lay the blame at the door of young people alone.
The good thing to come out of the disturbances was the way communities had subsequently come together, united in their determination that the troubles should not be repeated and pledged to rebuild their societies.
Mr Rider insisted that sport could play its part in this fightback, teaching teamwork, respect for others, and self-belief.
He said: “Sport transcends all races, creeds and colours. I am convinced that a lot of our problems can be overcome by sport.
“Birmingham is the ‘youngest city’ in Europe. The City Council brings global sports events here, and for that they have to be applauded. Young people need a direction in life and they need role models – people they respect and can look up to.
“We have outstanding athletes in this country and region. With the Olympics and Paralympics coming up there is a special opportunity for young people to get involved. We can’t all be the next Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis or Birmingham’s own Louise Hazel, winner of the heptathlon gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in India last year, but we can aspire to be the best we can be with whatever talents we have.
“Whatever the pressures of life rioting and looting is not the answer. If you are unemployed, do something with your time. Be constructive. Be positive. Volunteer to help – grass roots sport is run by thousands of volunteers. You will be amazed how people notice your hard work and commitment. And sometimes this can lead to a job.”
The Community Games, in conjunction with the Legacy Trust UK and the StreetGames charity, are aimed at encouraging people to take more exercise, have fun and be part of an experience which may not come around again in their lifetime.
Mr Rider said: “These are games being run for the community by the community.
“Having the Olympic Games so close to home should encourage and inspire us all to become more active and more involved in our communities in the future.”
More details can be found on the Games website at www.communitygames.org.uk where there is lots of helpful information including a free toolkit.