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SPORTS in the UK

“Heads Up” on what future looks like!

Dear Friends,

I am truly privileged to be here today as one of the guest speakers of JHC OBA’s
“Silver Jubilee Symposium 2012” to talk about the sports & communities in the UK
and its potential future. It’s absolutely a remarkable astuteness of bringing the JHC old
boys together to articulate some of the HOT TOPICS in a convention style. This is
very refreshing and reassuring so I am thankful to the OBA committee, secretary and
president for their excellent efforts.

Route Map
Mr N. Gobiraj

As people we are made up of a number of different identities, which are essentially the Old Boy
roles that we hold in the community.

These identities we hold have huge expectations and meanings attached to it, which
come from both ourselves and from others. Since we signify ownership through
language, be aware of the wording that we generally use; ‘I am a Cricketer’ for example
is different to ‘I enjoy Cricket’ or ‘I am a footballer’ is different to ‘I enjoy playing
football’. The latter is merely describing an activity that you do, whilst the former, ‘I As people we are
am’, implies identity. made up of a number
of different identities,
which are essentially
It is not only the expectations that are important but how we interpret these the roles that we hold
expectations and the meaning we give to them. in the community.

In western cultures this process is highly valued. The evaluation about “us”
are imperative, this practice “more or less” has been forgotten in our society at
present. Competency and Capability must be assessed when handing over roles &
responsibilities.

I want to take this opportunity to put forward a constructive analysis & criticism of
our present involvement and provide some thoughtful ideas & process of how we
can operate differently to become a joined up society when it comes to development
through sporting activities.

Kalaiyarasi 2012 25