LORD-GOD-ALMIGHTY-SPORT!

(Reflections)

by

JOHN ROBERTS

A Sportsman's Prayer!

Thou Source of Power Divine! Grant of desire, but one. Give me the strength to overcome: those who would see me, "done".

Electrify my limbs: so may I run, indeed , with subtle might, infuse my flesh, to give that extra speed.

"A new steroid!", will sceptics cry, "Give him the test", they bawl. Alas for them, they cannot know Thy power is over all.

Thus shall I stand alone above all other mortals. A champion worthy of acclaim “A God ”,within thy portals.

Then shall obeisance be made before thy sacred port. In just acknowledgement: the power of God-Almighty-Sport.

(A.N.Mouse).

That the title to this essay is shockingly blasphemous, I will concede. However, the title is a composite, which includes the word "Sport", and should be considered to be descriptive of the world-wide devotion of millions of young, and old, people, towards their own particular favourite pastime. No offence is intentionally directed towards Deity.

As a young man I lived within a ten-minute bicycle ride of Old Trafford, Manchester and thus, within coo-ee of Manchester City Football and the “White City” Cricket grounds. It was my unhappy lot to never set foot in either of those sacred halls of sport.

As I grew-up in Salford, I never ceased to wonder at the inordinate interest taken by my contemporaries in the sporting activities of the neighbourhood. These activities were, principally, Soccer and Rugby League and, in the Summer season, Cricket. These three sports formed the principle interest and topic of conversation for working men and boys at that time.

My father was uninterested in competitive sport, although he was a very active man and keen on all non-competitive activities, cycling, swimming, walking and athletics. As we children grew older, he encouraged us to participate in sporting activities of this type. He provided us with bicycles and took us swimming to the local Council Swimming Pool on a regular weekly basis. Hence, I grew up in an atmosphere wherein exercise was considered necessary, but where there was no obsessive interest in popular sport.

At that time, there was, of course, no Television coverage of any sporting activities: radio, or press, being the only means of covering football and other matches. However, millions of people, world-wide, regularly listened to their wireless-sets (radio's) on Saturday afternoons, to hear the commentary on their favourite football or cricket match. As a result, it was not uncommon for one to hear a complete stranger, who might chance to be on the same bus, or in a shop, asking one, "What's the score?" (Meaning, what is the present state of the cricket match in progress at Lords, or wherever?). When one replied, "I have no idea!", the response was usually one of shock and disgust at such a display of ignorance. One had no answer to this form of silent criticism.

What intrigued me, personally, was the extraordinary interest displayed by ordinary folk in accumulating statistics relating to the historical continuity of sporting activities. It has been remarked, no doubt, on many occasions, that some ordinary working-class folk had acquired sufficient knowledge of the history and events relating to their own favourite sport that in any other field of endeavour would have earned them a University Degree. Be that as it may, for all practical purposes, such knowledge is virtually useless, unless one is keen to enter a competition or quiz show, relating to such topics.

In another essay, I have remarked upon the increasing interest of the general public in sporting issues, an interest that has largely developed with the growth of public transport facilities and with mass-communication media. The sporting craze has diverted the attention of the ordinary bloke from more serious subjects, such as religion and politics, which were the stock-in-trade of l9th Century conversationalists. In fact, the world has reached saturation point, when it comes to the diversity of sporting activities. Not only are the physically fit involved in competitive sport , but even the physically and mentally disabled are demanding a share of the public's attention, together with a slice of the funding cake, which goes with Governmental sponsorship of sporting functions. Of course, Governments derive revenue from the taxation of sport, a policy that has proved to be a valuable money spinner. Hence, a proportion of the taxes derived from sporting (and gambling) activities must be returned to the public in the form of sporting subsidies. Nobody could object to this arrangement, provided the sum returned is proportionate to the amount raised in tax in the first instance.

What is objectionable, from the point of view of the non-sporting person, is that, in instances such as that of the staging of an Olympic Games event, vast sums of money are procured by Governments, for the establishment and construction of the necessary venues. Those funds are sourced from general revenue and not from sport-derived tax revenue. We have witnessed the situation, on a world-wide basis, in which cities sponsoring Olympic Events mortgage their citizens up to the hilt, in the hope that, eventually, the investment in the Games will be recovered in profits derived from the holding of the event itself. It has been found, from bitter experience, that the ordinary citizen is often left holding the bill.

Such is the prospect facing the citizens of Sydney, Australia: a city with far more than its fair-share of sporting fanatics. There is no doubt that the citizens and State of New South Wales will be paying for the doubtful privilege of holding the Year 2000 Games, for many years to come. To meet these extraordinary commitments, ordinary services, such as Police, Public Service, Health, Housing and Education will be starved of their essential funding.

Quite apart from the financial demands of the sporting fraternity, all members of society are enveloped in the atmosphere of hysteria, which surrounds the organization of such events as an Olympic Games. The sweeping assumption is made that the holding of the Games is welcomed by all members of the community, who are all united in their determination to pursue the matter to its natural conclusion. This entirely overlooks the alternative opinion: that we can very well do without such activities: that there is already far too much emphasis on sport in this present day and age.

That will, undoubtedly, prove to be a sad day for the people of Sydney, upon which the (now tainted) Olympic Committee decided to stage the year 2000 Games in Sydney, and not in China, in which, in this writer's opinion, the Games should have been held. China needed the break but was denied by U.S. opposition. Perhaps there was also an element of economic apprehension, as to a possible boost to China's international trading position. (Lucky Manchester!)

Whilst the Sydney Olympic Committee has denied any breach of the proprieties, in nominating for the Games, there appears to be such widespread corruption in the selection process, that a full enquiry will need to be held to clarify the question of corruption in the selection of the Sydney site.

Indeed, private interests in sporting activities are so predominant: many wealthy people actually control and own sporting bodies which, once-upon-a-time, were purely amateur clubs: now multi-million dollar enterprises. Is there anything left of "sport" in its original sense. Is there any real interest in playing a game for the sheer pleasure of the game, or is it just another job for the sportsman: albeit, a well-paid and fashionable trade.

Sportsmen are increasingly subjected to internal pressures, not only to perform superlatively, but to play to the crowd: to act out in artificial and unmanly ways. Once a goal is scored or an opponent is dismissed, in place of the modesty and good-humour of the traditional sportsman, there is a display of ecstatic and hysterical behaviour, calculated to emphasize the importance of this minor victory. Grown men are seen to hug and cuddle one another. Some devout worshippers of the Sporting Deity are observed to throw themselves upon their knees, making strange gestures, in acknowledgment of the patronage of their God. Such is the extent of the distortion of human values, in relation to sporting activities.

The major Sports in the United States and Cricket, Rugby-League and, increasingly, Soccer in the United Kingdom and its former dominions, are largely controlled by enterprises, closely linked to the Gambling industry. A similar and, perhaps, even more restrictive situation prevails in Australia, where gambling is completely out of hand. A rot has well and truly set-in, in the formerly honest, sincere, open-handed and well-beloved activity! Even our revered "Cricket", is seen to be a hotbed of intrigue and bribery, with Pakistani and Australian Cricketers involved in "shady" activities. How awful! One could almost die of shame, at the thought of the fact that our most beloved sportsmen are merely human beings and not, as we previously thought, demi-gods.

One such demi-deity, a famous US basketball player, whose name I do not recall, has recently retired from the game. Not only is the loss a disaster for his team but the local stock-exchange has lost considerable value as a result. The sporting-goods firm which he sponsored is no longer such a money-spinning concern and the goods produced are no longer so fashionable with the sport-minded-public. It appears that the Olympian image of sporting idols within the United States is so exalted, as to carry them well beyond the mental and physical range of comprehension of ordinary mortals. These people generate billions of dollars in business, in one form or another.

The presence of global Television services has meant that such concepts are daily being diffused throughout the length and breadth of the developed world. Well, so long as we can follow our chosen sport and worship our favourite sporting idol, so long will the world hold together. So what!?, if the political leaders of men are weak and worldly? So what!? if armies are slaughtering the innocent in all parts of the world? How are we affected by this? We can still switch on the TV and watch the inevitable Soccer, Cricket, Baseball, or Grid-iron match. We still have full bellies and "food for thought", even if it is merely: "filling the void of an unfurnished brain." (to quote Cowper).

So the world will go on, the sporting moguls will get richer and sporting functions will become more entertaining: more buxom girlies in short-shorts, prancing about for our diversion; more bands, more banners, more clap-trap, informing us that we are participating in great world-wide events. The God rewards his devotees: he will not abandon his faithful flock. Meanwhile, the rest of the world falls apart about our ears, but we do not observe, we do not feel, we do not think where all this glitter and show is leading the world. Whilst we have our minds distracted by the superficial show and entertainment of the world of sport, the real world is sinking into a morass of moral and spiritual decay.

I recall, in l994, whilst at Auschwitz, in Poland, observing a group of English ( I am ashamed to admit) Soccer supporters, who were having themselves photographed outside the barbed and (formerly) electrified fence of the compound. They were, naturally, affected by liquor and had no sense of the gravity of the place at which they were cavorting and singing their football songs. As my wife suggested, they had no awareness of the pathos and historicity of the place at which they were standing. They had probably never previously heard of Auschwitz-Berkenau and, if they had, it had no relevance to their enjoyment of life.

Someone has probably suggested that sport is, "Sop for the masses!". This is undoubtedly true: it takes the mind away from more serious matters; it relieves us of the burden of thinking about the world in which we find ourselves; it helps us to escape the, often unpleasant, realities of life: poverty, dissatisfaction with our own personal roles, marital discord, the envy of those who are more successful than we, ourselves. All these problems detract from our enjoyment of life. A preoccupation with sport is also an excellent substitute for a philosophical concept of life. One has no desire to fill one's cranium with ideas regarding one's moral and spiritual obligations, if it is already crammed full of sporting statistics and anecdotes. One has all that is necessary for the living of a full and interesting life. What else does one need in modern society, apart from a comprehensive view of all the major sporting arenas and their more imposing identities? Nothing else is necessary in this life, apart, of course, from the means of earning one's daily bread.

So it will be readily conceded that the following of "sport" in one form or another, fulfils a vital role in the lives of millions of people, world-wide. Even the most impartial observer of the sporting world must admit that he (or she) finds pleasure, from time to time, in observing the activities of some of our finer sportsmen and sportswomen in the world today. The visual media alone provide a wonderful forum for the display of their skills. To be able to watch a colour-television Soccer match, played by First Division Teams, provides a real treat, as one discerns the highly skilled ball-control and manoeuvring of the contestants. It is a delight to observe. What a pity that the principle of "winning at all costs" is the motivating factor, rather than the sheer love of the game itself. Woe betide the sportsman or woman who does not perform to expectations. Any popularity he may once have had will evaporate as swiftly as it had appeared. Today he is a hero: tomorrow: who!? Never heard of him!

Hence, for him, who worships at the altar of this particular deity, life is a fickle mistress. He never knows when his turn will come to face the shame and disgrace of defeat. Then his illustrious and well-heeled employers no longer wish to know him. He is an outcast, a has-been, the inevitable vicissitudes of human existence have, at last, caught up with him. Unless he has excelled in some record-breaking and uniquely distinctive manner in the past, his name will fast fade from the public recollection. Within a year or two, the name, which stirred the momentary imagination of millions, is no longer remembered, except perhaps, by one or two, statistically orientated, enthusiasts. "After all....", it will be averred, if his name is mentioned in company, "he was only a runner, or something!"

But life goes on and a new generation appears every other year or so. Some new prodigy comes along to wipe out the champions of yesterday. Millions of dollars are made and spent and made again. Old gymnasia are demolished and greater athletic stadia created. There is no limit to the cost involved or the funds provided by our sporting deity, via numerous commercial houses. It makes for great business.

And this, in the final analysis, is what sport today is all about: the generation of business. If it were not so, sport would still remain a purely amateurish affair. Pampered and spoilt generations must have the latest in fashion sports-clothing and footwear. Rich little boys are sometimes robbed, just for their expensive running shoes. It is a very envious world in which we live. The tragedy in this charade, is that it is all so superficial and unnecessary for our true happiness.

By all means, let us have our sporting activities. We need our moments of relaxation, either in participation in sport or as spectators. But let us also not lose our sense of perspective in relation to the greater task of living and letting-live, in company with our fellows. There are other, more important facets to human existence: those social and political issues which so badly need the attention of individuals today: of people who, all too often, are immersed in a morass of sporting enthusiasms, over which they have no real control. If people who are capable of thinking for themselves, fail to do so, the field is left wide open for the cynic and the commercially minded entrepreneur to exploit human weakness. We observe these processes continuing in the lives of millions in the Western World today. It is the emphasis upon competitiveness in human relationships that is undermining the basic principle of human co-operation: the corner stone of all our activities.

Once again, we must return to the idealism of the past, if the future is not to be one continuous disaster. The almost universal involvement of drugs in the sporting scene, is the final nail in the coffin of trust and fair-play, which for generations was the hall-mark of the sportsman (or woman). Again, the combination of money and drugs has served to utterly degrade the once noble concept, of the superbly fit and dedicated athlete, who is about to take his place, on equal terms, with his competitors.

The records have been well and truly broken: man cannot go on forever, improving on his track times. Reputations are now made and lost on fractions of one-hundredth of a second. The concept has now lost all sense and credibility.

Lord-God-Almighty-Sport truly reigns supreme. Would that he could inspire his worshippers with a determination to rid the sporting world of the hypocrisy and perverted ideals which, universally, bemire and clog the heels of athletes, sportsmen and sportswomen everywhere.

All glory be to thee: Deity Most High!

Footnote: Six years after “Sydney 2000”, the State of New South Wales is still

“broke”: our Railways, Water and Electricity Services are wrecked or privatised. The Home Bush Sporting Complex is an empty wasteland (or almost) although, now and again, some sporting activities are, I believe, held there. During the building frenzy that accompanied preparations for the “Games” lots of sub-standard home units were built: the usually strict rules for building standards being conveniently ignored. Somebody did very well out of the Games and that is also what it was about. Meanwhile we owe lots and lots of cash and will be paying the bill for years. Who cares: land speculators made a lot of money. Property prices have “gone through the roof” and young people have no hope of ever buying a home of their own. Poor-old Aussie-Battler: you can still watch your favourite game on the Telly, at the week-end, and forget all about the rotten politicians, who are “ripping you off”.

THE END

John Roberts,

Sydney, Australia. 16th January l999

26 April 2006

mailto:robertsjno@gmail.com