Did you know that basketball actually can be a way to connect with other people? While we may speak different languages, look differently, and have different cultures, there are always similarities just waiting.
For many people, it can be a challenge to really connect with others, especially if you don’t know the language. For those running a basketball camp, it can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you have different people here.
But basketball is a universally loved sport. In fact, you might see other people wearing LeBron James jerseys and shoes.
This is a good way to connect, and basketball has a cultural impact, which we’re going to talk about today.
Not just Played in America Anymore.
Basketball isn’t just enjoyed by Americans, but all around the world.
For instance, in Hong Kong, you can buy jerseys and shoes all over. They love the game, and it can be fun.
While certain areas such as Vietnam only have small courts, there is a bit of an accident that comes with it.
Then you have Australia, where they have their own leagues.
Yes, basketball is a universal sport.
It’s enjoyed by so many that you can talk to someone wearing a jersey that’s Michael Jordan, and they can talk about this with you for hours. That’s what’s great, because with how prominent it is these days, more and more youth are willing to learn.
Not to mention, there are now more diverse players enjoying basketball. For example, there was Yao Ming, who was actually one of the most prominent Chinese basketball players. At a towering 6’7”, he was definitely a big part of basketball history.
You can communicate this with someone, and they’ll understand who you’re talking about, fostering better understanding.
Similarities All Over
Remember, while you might be different in language, culture, even religion, there are
Similar in the way that we all do naturally have a love for the game.
And of course, similar attitudes are used as a competitive catalyst.
For example, when you play against someone, regardless of where they’re from, fi they like the sport, they will be competitive. But they’ll also be kind and show good sportsmanship too, because that’s universally accepted all over.
They may even be able to convey a bit of their personality through silliness on the court, something they might not be able to communicate otherwise. It’s important to be willing and open to sharing this, as it could be one of the few ways they actually tell you a little about who they are.
While the westernization of basketball is still prominent in America, there is a chance that you might meet other people that are also interested in the sport who aren’t from America.
How to incorporate this at Camp
At our camp, we encourage diversity, and differences amongst all our campers.
Everyone has different stories, different histories, and different understanding of concepts. We learn to accept these and celebrate the differences rather than see them as a bad thing.
What we do is allow our campers to tell us a little about themselves. Once they’re done with that, we get up, and you know what we do?
Play a game of basketball.
Basketball is loved across so many different worlds and so many people are now becoming more and more in love with the sport. With that said, always be willing to learn and understand.
It’s a cultural phenomenon, and worth looking into if you’re someone who does love basketball, and wants to really enhance, and love all aspects.
Basketball Brilliance: Your Camp Companion 