Finding A New Sport: How Volunteers Can Get Active In Their Communities
Have you noticed how sports bring people together in your community? Whether it's celebrating a big win or simply enjoying a local game, there's something special about the shared excitement. What about you? Is there an athlete inside you waiting to be discovered? It's never too late to start training, even if it's just for your long-term health. Embracing a new sport can help you connect with your community and stay inspired throughout your service. Here are a few tips:
1. Choosing Your Sport: Embrace Local Games and Activities
Since you're a Peace Corps volunteer, your sports choices are limited, but you can use that to your advantage. First, what sports are already played in your community or host country? How wonderful it would be for your integration to learn their sports. This is especially true of team sports. But do some more research to see if there are other not-so-typical sports that might have a following in your host country.
2. Explore Popular Sports in Your Host Country: What’s the Right Fit for You?
For example, in Thailand, you could find a soccer field in every community. But other sports I learned about there were badminton and sepak takraw (foot volleyball). In Mongolia, everyone talked about wrestling and horse racing, but I thought archery could be more accessible to a larger group of the population. In Nepal, everyone loved soccer and volleyball. And just watching the Olympics here in Armenia, wrestling is definitely one of the top sports.
3. Get Started: Training for Strength, Endurance, and Skill
But the thing in common with all of these choices is training: strength, and endurance first, then skill second. So, find a sport that really sparks your interest and see how you can begin training. And when you need motivation, just watch some videos with your host family or community members.
4. Take Your Time: The Long-Term Benefits of Your New Sport
You've got the rest of your service to see some progress, so don't worry about results. Besides, every time you engage in your 'new' sport, you do even more to integrate into the community. So, enjoy yourself and your sports journey.
5. Engage the Community: Encourage Others to Join Your Sports Journey
Do your research and start slowly. Come up with a plan and get help from the local community. Use adults for learning new skills and the kids to have fun with showing off your new skills. Don't overdo it at first, but go slow and steady. Consistency is the key to keeping and solidifying a new habit or hobby like your new sport
6. Expand Your Network: Finding Support Beyond Your Host Community
As you learn your new sport, word will get around. Kids and teenagers might want to join you. Have fun but keep an eye out for those with a serious interest. Because working out with others is another way to keep going when the motivation is lacking.
But don't limit it to just your community. See if there are other social media groups where you can find like-minded people to help you keep accountable. Maybe other expats are into the sport. Or maybe there are Facebook groups not only where you can find others getting into the sport, but where you can find tips and advice, and maybe even a place to compete.
7. From Athlete to Coach: Inspiring the Next Generation
Maybe you'll never really compete, but the knowledge and skills you learn might inspire the next generation in your community. If you see that happening, consider moving from an athlete role to one of coaching. It's the natural next step and still uses all your new knowledge to help others.
8. Challenge Yourself: Compete and Test Your Skills
Even if you will never be an Olympic champion, get out there and compete if you can. Not to attain awards, but just to measure how far you come on this sports journey. Again, social media will be your best friend in finding places to test yourself. And because of your language skills, and integration with your host country's culture, you have a much better chance of joining competitions that expats and other outsiders might not know about.
9. Focus on the Fundamentals: Building a Strong Athletic Foundation
Again, start learning new skills but the majority of your time needs to be on the fundamentals like strength, speed, and endurance. And there is a lot you can do with those that don't require special skills or training - or a coach. Do your research and put in the miles or minutes you need to become healthier.
10. Staying Active: Prioritizing Health Through Consistent Exercise
Whether you're training for a specific sport or just focusing on your overall health, consistency is key. Regular exercise will not only improve your physical fitness but also help you maintain a balanced lifestyle throughout your Peace Corps service. So, keep moving, stay active, and enjoy the journey.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're looking to boost your health, deepen your connection with your host community, or simply try something new, taking up a local sport is a rewarding way to enhance your Peace Corps experience. So, why wait? Start exploring the sports in your area, set some goals, and begin your training journey today. Share your progress with your community and fellow volunteers, and inspire others to join in. Your next adventure is just a game away—get out there and make it happen!
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Reference: Inspired by the Olympics? It’s not too late to ignite your own fitness journey