The last couple of months we have seen a hike in crimes involving weapons like armed robberies, cold blooded murders and the usage of guns in disputes. However, this phenomenon is not new. Gun violence has been steadily increasing over the years. Of course then the questions arise: What is or are the cause(s) for the increase of gun violence? How can gun violence be curbed down? Those questions asked are not easy to answer and many possible answers are open for debate.
In our opinion some of the underlying reasons for the increase of gun violence have to do with the lack of family and community structure which, unfortunately, too often result in people not being able to have the discipline to control their emotions and therefore not being able to handle conflict situations without resorting to violence. Another aspect is the lack of respect; lack of respect for authority figures, lack of respect for peers and other fellow citizens.
A great tool to learn to go after (common) goals, how to deal with authority, how to communicate with others, to keep youngsters ‘off the block’, how to cope with disappointments and achievements and respect others is (team) sport. To use sport as a tool is easier said than done, because it doesn’t happen all by itself. We need government to provide the necessary infrastructure and cooperation from the private sector to assist financially where possible.
When the public and private sector have similar goals it can give the desired results. However, in the case of sports there is another player that needs to make it happen: YOU. There is much need for volunteers when it comes to sports. From driving kids to their destination, washing shirts, organizing events, maintain sports facilities, etc to supporting our youngsters. Your role is extremely important and we encourage you to volunteer some of your time in assisting a player or team or just to go out and cheer them on.
The next time you open up the newspaper and read once again about a robbery or shooting, don’t just shake your head but get involved. Support sports events, support our youth. Show them how to shoot hoops and not guns.
Sjaoel “Shooz” Richardson
President Soualiga Social Movement
‘Shoot hoops, not guns’
