The Words of the Gehring Family

Sports for Peace Program -- Discussion Session

John Gehring
August 29, 2010
Sports for Peace

The following are guidelines for a discussion session that can be part of the educational component of a Sports for Peace program. This can be used in conjunction with the UN International Day of Peace, September 21.

"Character is destiny."- Heraclitus

Materials: Poster board, a large piece of paper, or a writing surface; tape

Preparation: Divide the paper into three vertical columns with the following headers:

Positive Values

Negative Values

Positive Impact on the Community

Instructions to participants: Form into groups of 6 to 10 people each. (If the audience is very large and time is limited, groups should be larger because of the time it takes for each group to report.) You will have three questions to discuss as a group and share your answers with everyone.

Discussion topic: What are the positive values I can learn through sports?

Have each group compile a list the values and then report the results to the seminar. As each group reports, list the positive values on the paper. When more than one group gives the same value, add a check mark beside that value.

Commentary: "When sports are coached and played the right way, they can have a positive impact on individuals, teams and society. However, if the coaches and players have the attitude that winning is everything, it can have a negative impact on individuals. It is important that we set a good standard and tradition in playing sports."

Discussion topic: What are some negative values sports can teach if sports are taught and played with the wrong attitude?

Have each group compile a list the values and then report the results to the seminar. As each group reports, list the negative values on the paper. When more than one group gives the same value, add a check mark beside that value.

Discussion topic: What are ways that sports can make a positive impact in your community?

Have each group compile a list the values and then report the results to the seminar. As each group reports, list the positive impacts on the paper. When more than one group gives the same answer, add a check mark beside that answer.

Commentary: "We suggest that good results in sports require standards that serve as a compass. The compass helps guide individuals and teams to maintain a core set of principles and promote positive values. Here are seven principles that the UPF uses in its Sports for Peace programs. We recommend they be considered when sports are played in your community."

The Compass: Seven Principles

1) Everyone contributes.

2) Model the values you want to see.

3) Play within the rules.

4) Invest your all -- mind, body, spirit, and heart.

5) Appreciate and respect yourself and others.

6) Fundamentals are essential.

7) Unity opens the door to success. 

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