Showing out in the Olympics, and more
The Olympics started last week, and I have been intensely following the progress of many teams and individuals. My real interest lies in the personal stories of these athletes, their will and drive to be able to compete at the highest levels. There are many stories coming from individuals who contributed their time and finances in place of local authorities and governments to be able to provide training and tickets to the events. One of the greatest stories of triumph over adversity comes from South Sudan who were able to attend the games considering all of the difficulties they encountered. South Sudan is only 11 years old, yet it has endured a fight for recognition that was Africa’s longest civil war, and then almost immediately fell into another internal civil war that continues to this day. While peace has continued to evade them, their talent floods the world transcending their borders. Their basketball team is a testament to this, as it continues to perform well in the FIBA and Olympic competitions. It goes without saying: GO SS GO!
While South Sudan’s story may be getting much attention, rightfully, we should also give space to address the Nigerian women’s basketball win over Australia. This is truly an example of how the traditional house of cards is falling, and there are new nations rising. While Nigeria may be facing economic challenges and self-doubt, I believe that its ability to showcase its athletic prowess at the Paris Olympics will give its people hope that they can remedy whatever challenges they face. GO NIGERIA GO!!
Now, what did you think about the Argentina—Morocco soccer game? The controversy regarding the referee’s decisions and subsequent delay in proclaiming Morocco the winner is gnawing at my core. Yet I appreciate the Moroccans for showing out and making Africa proud. Soccer has always been a showcase of African powerhouses like Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Egyptians, and now the Moroccans. GO, MOROCCO!!
Finally, we must recognize the many individuals who chose to represent their countries in the Olympics- names like Ziyad Saleem (Sudan swimmer), Miyanda Maseti (from Soweto, South Africa; BMX racer), and many others that I cannot recall but have seen on TV competing against formidable competition. While we cheer them, we also ask them to continue defying the odds and keep their heads up high. As a continent, we may not hear our countries’ names much, or they may not talk about our athletes as much, or our athletes may not receive an expensive endorsement for athletic products, but all this means nothing compared to the growing sense of their achievement and the vibes their competition is feeling. I say this, and we still haven’t entered the track and field events where our people will start securing a higher number of medals and dominate most events.
The Fall semester is about to start towards the end of the month and this week is the final period of enrollment for those who are already in the program and for our new admissions. We are glad to report that we continue to receive new applications for the tDPT and our colleagues are performing admirably in their studies. We look forward to receiving further interest from our colleagues throughout the region.
On a final note, I wanted to add some food for thought. The upcoming World Physiotherapy (formerly WCPT) African Regional Congress will be taking place in September in Capetown South Africa. In the advert, the head of the Africa region is inviting physical therapists to join the South African Society in celebrating its 100th anniversary. At this point, you should know that the South African Society was a founding member of World Physiotherapy. When I first heard of this congress, I thought nothing of it and actually advertised it on my website. I think it’s a good opportunity for physical therapists to get together and explore different avenues of discussion.
Lately, I have been thinking about that congress and its celebration of the SA Societies 100 years. The question is: Should we be celebrating what was constructed 100 years ago? In doing that, wouldn’t we be condoning whatever activities were taking place at that time? In other words, why would I celebrate an apartheid regime’s accomplishment? Shouldn’t we be celebrating the new SA Society which is diverse and inclusive and mandated to follow the new SA constitution? And why would an ethnic African endorse such an event?
I will close out with these questions. Feel free to share your opinion in the comment section. Further information about the SA Societies’ beginnings and original policies are available online and will shed more on the policies that they pursued.
