Posted: August 14th, 2022

The Right to Participate in Sports as a Fundamental Human Right

The Right to Participate in Sports as a Fundamental Human Right

The right to engage in sports is a fundamental human entitlement, ensuring that every individual can partake in any sporting activity without prejudice or discrimination (Kirchschlaeger, 2017). From a human-centric perspective, individuals are not merely recipients of sports but active bearers of rights. Denying people the opportunity to partake in sports and be part of the sporting community is a violation akin to other human rights transgressions. Recognizing sports as a human right grants citizens the freedom to develop intellectually, morally, and physically. This right extends to all citizens, including those at the grassroots level. Furthermore, special attention is given to inclusivity for individuals with disabilities and the elderly, achieved through robust investment in community and grassroots sports initiatives (Van der Klashorst, 2018).

Conversely, individuals possess the prerogative to assert their rights to sports when they feel deprived, encompassing both legal and moral assertions. Within the framework of the law, citizens are empowered to uphold or act upon matters related to sports. Meanwhile, the international and national human rights systems serve as duty bearers, while citizens are the rights holders with access to resources and remedies (Kirchschlaeger, 2017). Duty bearers, often represented by the government, operate under three core principles, particularly in fostering grassroots sports associations. These principles entail promoting universality, indivisibility, equality, and non-discrimination, with considerations for diverse lifestyles, health conditions, and personal circumstances (Garamvölgyi et al., 2020).

Governments should prioritize investing in grassroots sports activities without neglecting the elderly, rather than concentrating solely on young athletes. Community sports activities foster equality and serve as a form of social security and justice, constituting a significant human right (Kirchschlaeger, 2017). The engagement in physical sports, grassroots activities, and community sports aligns with the UNESCO International Charter of Physical Education and Sports, thereby ensuring that these pursuits are recognized as inherent rights. Sports, as a human right, contributes to both physical and mental well-being, constituting an essential entitlement to good health. Research underscores that inadequate physical activity is a primary contributor to mortality, particularly due to cardiovascular diseases and chronic non-communicable ailments. Recently, the Australian Institute of Sports devised a framework that encourages sports participation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic (Hughes et al., 2021). Adhering to COVID-19 regulations is imperative for sports, and various activities like table tennis, surfing, sport climbing, shooting, rugby, netball, and athletics have been adapted to these guidelines.

Maintaining an Active Lifestyle Amidst COVID-19 Challenges

Sustaining physical activity during the pandemic remains crucial for both physical and psychological well-being. Engaging in playfulness enhances mood, facilitates better sleep, contributes to healthier skin, and combats physical fatigue (Hughes et al., 2020). Physical exercise and staying active offer psychological benefits, aiding in the management of depression arising from the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19. Regular physical activity has been shown to mitigate depression rates and alleviate stress, especially when practiced at least twice a week. Beyond stress reduction, physical activities lower anxiety levels, enhance sleep quality, and bolster concentration, particularly among school-going children, fostering increased self-esteem. Participating in physical activities during the pandemic has also diverted young individuals from substance abuse and engagement in unlawful activities.

Moreover, the COVID-19 regulations have confined many to their homes, limiting their ability to move around freely as before. Nonetheless, maintaining an active lifestyle remains crucial for promoting physical health (Hughes et al., 2020). Staying active aids in achieving physical fitness by enhancing blood circulation and relieving muscle discomfort. Physical activities also contribute to the prevention and reduction of diabetes, heart conditions, weight management, control of high blood pressure, and various forms of cancer. Regular activity enhances flexibility and overall fitness, rendering muscles and bones more resilient to daily pressures. For older individuals, such activities serve to prevent sudden falls and boost immunity against coronavirus infections. According to the article, the psychological repercussions of COVID-19 encompass loss of identity, vulnerability, trust issues rooted in isolation, anxiety, depression, emotional instability, trauma stemming from adverse life events, and mental health disorders.

Furthermore, the pandemic has significantly impacted community sports and physical activities, rendering attendance at sports events and gym sessions nearly impossible due to social distancing measures and lockdown mandates (Brand, Timme, and Nosrat, 2020). Economic downturn has been another consequence, especially affecting businesspersons and inducing psychological distress due to financial strain and employment uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled fear and anxiety due to lifestyle adjustments and heightened virus-related risks (Brand, Timme, and Nosrat, 2020). These anxieties and stresses detrimentally affect psychological well-being, leading to severe mood swings, panic attacks, and heightened anxiety levels.

Additionally, COVID-19 has manifested numerous physical challenges, particularly for individuals with pre-existing chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes. The biological effects include migraines, asthma exacerbations, hypertension, persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, stress-related physical symptoms, and overall malaise.

The pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of numerous mass sports events due to lockdown measures (Evans et al., 2020). Many individuals are apprehensive about resuming sports participation post-lockdown. Remaining active during the COVID-19 pandemic holds paramount importance for psychological, physical, and emotional well-being (Lades et al., 2020). To stay active within the confines of pandemic regulations, individuals can consider engaging in activities such as household swimming, kayaking, gardening, hiking, walking, jogging, and running. Moreover, organizing indoor workouts, including participating in online workout classes, presents viable alternatives to maintain an active lifestyle.

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