The Power of Sport

Character is that which reveals moral purpose, exposing the class of things a man chooses or avoids.

-Aristotle

Sport has often been considered “the great equalizer”. For those who partake, every game becomes an opportunity to measure ones self. Often these measurements are comparative: man to man, player to player. However, these measurements can also take place at the individual level.

Sport demands courage, determination, strength, leadership, willpower and respect. It follows, therefore, that the spirit of sport is embedded not in rivalry or competition. Instead, the true spirit of sport is being able to measure your self against your own potential.

Success is not always directly related to victory; it can, in fact, take many forms.

Much of what can be said about sport can also be said about life-in-general. Whether in life or in sport, your true rival is never your opponent; it is, instead, yourself. Participation in either is always about something more then winning. It is about persevering; defining your own standards and then defying them.

For those of us who live with disease, sport offers something more. Sport becomes therapeutic; a remedy for the body and the mind. By simply participating we are, in some way, defying the odds. It is, therefore, the act of participation that should be celebrated.

Many CF patients shy away from sport because of the obvious physical disadvantages that are associated with the disease. In many ways, this is understandable; after all, Cystic Fibrosis can make the most mundane, rudimentary task difficult and unpleasant. Nevertheless, CF patients who refuse to participate in sport are truly missing out on an invaluable experience.

Not only does participation result in a healthier life for anyone who partakes; but it also represents a certain kind of resistance against the inevitable. Granted, not every CF patient has the ability to participate in competitive sport. Nevertheless, by staying active and recognizing the importance of a positive attitude CF patient’s can maintain a level of control over a disease that quite often seems uncontrollable.