0142. SECONDARIA SBS. Fair play on and off the pitch

L’articolo ci porta a riflettere sul fair play come valore civico di rispetto e sana competitività nel gioco e nell’aula per una migliore convivenza civile e sociale.

Fair play, or sportsmanship, is one of the most fundamental aspects of any sporting activity as we all know well. Even if we know it when we see it or when we feel it it is a complex concept that can be hard to define. Both in the gym and in the classroom the SBS classes have been trying to do just that, considering values, rules, and even examples that can help us better understand this concept. In September the International Fair Play Committee designated “Respect” as the fair play value of the month and this is a word that came up over and over again when attempting to define fair play and good sportsmanship. From respecting the rules, to respecting others, to respecting ourselves, thinking about “Respect” played a central role in the SBS program over the first month of the year.

Although there is a clear connection between fair play and the sports many of us love, we need not leave the ideas and values that arise from fair play on the pitch. The first year classes have come up with some guidelines that will help them apply the lessons they’ve discussed and considered over the past weeks beyond just sporting activities, bringing these ideas of respect, collaboration, care, and integrity to class, school, family, and their communities. In the second year students have put these principles into practice through group activities that stress the importance of collaboration, for instance in the context of the European Union and international cooperation.

The SBS classes will continue to play fair, respect each other, and collaborate throughout the rest of the school year and beyond. And this year fair play is that much more on our minds with the upcoming men’s World Cup that will capture the attention of millions of fans around the world. Unfortunately, Italy won’t be participating this November and December, but perhaps everyone, not just our SBS students and teachers, will be able to find an English speaking team to cheer for! And if not, le Azzurre have already qualified for the women’s World Cup next summer!