Archive for category: Sports

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How Muay Thai Is Fighting Poverty in Thailand

Poverty in ThailandMuay Thai, which translates to Thai Boxing, was originally devised as a hand-to-hand combat method in the 13th century during the Sukhothai Kingdom. Since then, Muay Thai has transcended into a global sporting phenomenon and a deeply ingrained fixture of Thai society. The exponential growth and sustained popularity of it have transformed the martial arts into a valuable instrument and outlet for positive change in Thailand. To the lives it touches, Muay Thai offers a valuable avenue of social mobility, escapism and sanctuary and vital supplementary income.

Poverty in Thailand

Thailand is one of the economically wealthiest nations in Southeast Asia because of its vast manufacturing, agricultural and tourism sectors. However, wealth and income inequality in Thailand remains among the highest in the world. However, over the past few decades, Thailand has made considerable positive developments in poverty reduction.

Yet, in recent times, this progression has stalled, as poverty rates in Thailand are now recorded at 5.4% in urban areas and as high as 8.4% in rural areas. Additionally, the multidimensional poverty rates remain at 0.5% higher than monetary poverty, meaning that although the financial earnings of many people in Thailand may lift them above the poverty line, their access to education, health care and overall proper living standards remains limited.

Muay Thai

Muay Thai is known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” as it incorporates the use of the hands, elbows, knees and feet. It is incredibly physically demanding and often ferocious. The central techniques of it consist of the Teep kick, clinch and striking with both elbows and knees. Muay Thai is distinctly unique through its incorporation of spiritual and traditional elements. Before each fight, fighters wear a headband called the Mongkhon and engage in a ritual dance known as the Wai Kru Ram Muay.

As part of this traditional performance, the fighters circle the ring in an anti-clockwise direction, kneeling and bowing three times before performing an elaborate dance. The ritual is performed in traditional Thai music and conveys respect to the opponent, trainers and sport. The practice of Muay Thai embodies and demonstrates many fundamental characteristics such as perseverance, bravery and honor, all of which are highly valued and important to Thai culture and society. The reflection of the societal and cultural values in Muay Thai underpins the enduring popularity and stature of the martial art in Thailand.

How Muay Thai Helps Combat Poverty in Thailand

Muay Thai is a profound sanctuary and economic opportunity provider to many people in Thailand. In many rural communities, subsistence agricultural work is governed by seasonal changes; thus, competing in Muay Thai events provides a significant income supplementation. Even competing at a modest local level provides fighters with an income considerably higher than the average village worker. Furthermore, as many fighters live in the gyms, their earnings after gym expenses can be directly pocketed.

The global interest in Muay Thai has also created an increased demand for training camps, as people from all over the world travel to Thailand to sample the intense training required to compete in martial arts and learn from native experts. Moreover, areas renowned for their events, such as Bangkok and Pattaya, have seen considerable uptake in their hospitality and services sectors, creating jobs for several people.

Conclusion

Muay Thai is helping to contribute to the reduction of poverty and empower communities across Thailand. Through its wide-ranging and invaluable transformative powers, it provides an alternative route out of poverty by supporting income generation and facilitating social mobility. It also creates tangible aspirations of escaping poverty by mastering a highly valued and respected art for millions of impoverished children.

– Ollie Roberts

Ollie is based in North Wales and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Indian Premier League Improving the Economy

Indian Premier LeagueRecent cricket tournaments, such as the Twenty20 (T20) World Cup and the Indian Premier League, have significantly benefitted the economies of developing nations through the beloved sport.

Poverty in India

India, home to approximately 1.4 billion people, faces significant wealth inequality, with 63 million individuals living in poverty. According to Oxfam, chronic under-investment is leading to difficulties accessing substantial education and health care. Despite this, India has one of the fastest-growing economies, with 77% of the world’s total national wealth being present in the top 10% of the Indian population.

Despite these reports of massive wealth inequality, poverty rates in India have been slashed. The University of Oxford conducted a report that found that the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) in India decreased hugely from 55% to 16% in the span of 15 years.

Indian Premier League

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the world’s largest T20 cricket tournament. The tournament is still in its early years, starting as a franchise in 2008 and has built a strong global fan base. In 2024, the IPL consisted of 10 teams playing a total of 74 matches. A report by the Mastercard Economics Institute found that not only has the sport and tournament unified people in India and globally, it has had a ripple effect on local economies.

The report found that Mastercard transactions increased by 25% on match days. This was attributed to an increase in spending in bars and restaurants during the game. In addition to this, Mastercard saw a higher spend in cities where matches were taking place. The IPL is driving huge amounts of tourism into and around the nation, including increased investments in hotels and hospitality. In 2019, the Indian Premier League generated $68 million in the hospitality industry.

The Economist reported that the tournament drove $6.2 billion in 2022. The game has led to India being branded as the “dominant economic power in cricket” by the Economist. Additionally, it has opened up tourist experiences and jobs for residents. Similarly, other tournaments have been observed to alleviate poverty through various sports. The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa had a significant impact on the country’s economy. According to a study by the South African government, the tournament created 415,000 jobs. Additionally, it contributed approximately $3 billion to South Africa’s economy.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup wrapped in June 2024. The World Cup was hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America teams. Due to this, games were held in six venues in the West Indies, in nations such as Guyana and Saint Lucia.

Guyana currently has one of the highest poverty rates in the Caribbean, with poverty rates of 48.4% in 2019, according to the World Bank. This includes issues regarding limited access to basic services in the nation for those living in poverty. However, due to the T20 World Cup, we may see an alleviation of this, following in the footsteps of the IPL.

– Ella Turner

Ella is based in St Helens, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Education in Latin America: Social Development through Football

Education in Latin AmericaSoccer is deeply embedded in Latin American culture. Beyond competition and goal-scoring, its intrinsic values are also a source of national pride, tradition, social integration and development. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Foundation Digital Education Program has made soccer a tool for learning to enhance education across communities in Latin America.

Foundation of the Digital Education Program

FIFA Foundation Digital Education Program is a three-year initiative that seeks to implement computer science and robotics into the curriculum of primary schools. The program aims to help 10,000 children from vulnerable communities. The FIFA Foundation founded the campaigns in collaboration with the United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Development Goals, aim to enhance the lives of disadvantaged children and youth globally, with a focus on education. The initiative aims to enhance education in Latin America to break the cycle of poverty and stimulate sustainable development in local and regional communities.

The collaboration of football, technology and education closes the digital gap in modern curriculums. As the digital world has grown since COVID-19, employment rates and economic development depend on digital literacy, which requires technological proficiency. So, in addressing socioeconomic barriers and modern learning, the FIFA Foundation introduces programming and robotics education in the classroom.

It integrates digital education with soccer through “play-based learning.” For example, participants can apply digital creativity skills to create “robotic prototypes” that can call penalties, pass and shoot balls. Due to FIFA’s humanitarian efforts, soccer has become a fundamental element of computation thinking, problem-solving and creativity.

FIFA’s Launch in Belize

From April 22 to 26, 2024, computer science and robotics workshops were delivered across Belize, marking the official launch of the program. In July 2023, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Technology (MOECST) and the Football Federation of Belize (FFB). This memorandum outlines the effort to enhance education with soccer. The program involves 40 primary schools and equips students aged 8 to 11 with Chromebooks, robotics kits, projectors and more tools essential to digital learning. Moreover, the program will train up to 300 teachers in computer science.

With the help of the FIFA foundation, improving resources and expertise results in Belize’s educational innovation. The President of the FFB, Sergio Chuc, reflects that the “domestic market is too small to contemplate industrialization.” He considers this partnership with the Ministry of Education as “a leap into the future with digital education.”

FIFA’s Launch in Paraguay

In June 2024, Paraguay signed this memorandum, hoping to benefit 10,000 children in Paraguayan public schools. To achieve this goal, Paraguay must ensure the “distribution and utilization of technological resources” and “the support and training for teachers.” Student engagement is another significant component of the program’s success. Fortunately, soccer’s popularity is leveraged under this initiative and it can only attract students’ entertainment and attention.

The launch of the FIFA Foundation Digital Education Program in Paraguay commences an education transformation within the country. FIFA demonstrates how soccer brings together people from different social and economic backgrounds and improves education in Latin America.

– Caroline Albright

Caroline is based in Milton, MA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Poverty and Baseball in the Dominican Republic

The Impact of Baseball on Poverty in the Dominican RepublicBaseball is more than just a sport in the Dominican Republic; it’s a pivotal aspect of their culture. As of 2024, the Dominican Republic leads foreign nations in supplying Major League Baseball (MLB) with players, boasting 108 athletes on opening day rosters. Despite this cultural and economic contribution, the country still grapples with economic challenges. Over the past two decades, the Dominican Republic has experienced significant economic growth, yet more than 30% of its population continues to live in poverty.

Historical Context and Global Influence

Cuban visitors introduced baseball to the Dominican Republic at the end of the 19th century, establishing a rich tradition that thrives presently. The Dominican Winter League, renowned as one of the toughest in Latin America, reveals the nation’s deep connection to the sport. The Dominican Republic’s prominence was highlighted globally when it won the 2013 World Baseball Classic, with Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano earning the MVP title. President Luis Abinader has emphasized baseball’s integral role in the Dominican culture and economy, estimating its economic impact at about $400 million annually.

The Role of Baseball Academies

Baseball significantly boosts the Dominican Republic’s economy through academy investments, player salaries and job creation. The Dodgers pioneered this impact by establishing the first MLB academy in the country in 1987, offering children a structured environment to learn the game. Beyond skill development, these academies provide critical basic needs, such as consistent meals—luxuries not guaranteed at home. Players earn a decent living, with first-year players making $600 monthly and second-year players $700, significantly more than the $100 monthly factory job wage. While the academy system greatly aids those who never advance to major leagues, providing them with a sustainable income, it is not without its criticisms and challenges.

Educational Challenges and Opportunities

Only one in 40 players at baseball academies in the Dominican Republic reaches the major leagues. The rigorous training demands often sideline academic pursuits, leading critics to argue that these programs hinder complete educational attainment. Most academies focus on American and English studies, leaving players with limited knowledge about their own country. Among MLB teams, only the Diamondbacks provide opportunities for players to complete their education. It’s crucial to note that many of these youths might not have pursued schooling otherwise, potentially working in local industries like sugar cane fields, hotels or garment manufacturing. Despite these realities, there is a pressing need for MLB to enhance educational and career support for all academy players, ensuring a secure future whether or not they succeed in professional baseball.

Success Stories and Future Prospects

Juan Soto, a baseball superstar, signed a $1.5 million contract with the Nationals at just 16 years old and joined their Dominican Republic camp. There, he not only honed his baseball skills but also learned English, which Soto acknowledged could provide career opportunities beyond MLB. He later revisited this camp after being traded to the Yankees, reflecting on his journey and the impact of such training programs. Baseball has a profound connection to the Dominican Republic’s culture and economy, with its roots traced back to the late 19th century when introduced by Cuban visitors. Currently, the sport is celebrated nationally and supported by MLB academies that offer young players better living conditions and opportunities compared to other local employment, emphasizing baseball’s integral role in the country’s development.

Looking Ahead

Baseball’s role in the Dominican Republic extends beyond the game itself, deeply impacting the nation’s economy and culture. While MLB academies provide valuable opportunities for young athletes, there is a need to enhance educational support to ensure broader career prospects. By focusing on education alongside athletic training, the future of these young players can potentially be more secure, regardless of their success in professional baseball.

– Matthew Mendives

Matthew is based in Colonia, NJ, USA and focuses on World News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr