I HOPE athletes are not getting waylaid by issues outside the perimeters of the sports they have trained for. Keep your eyes on the ball, so to speak. Win medals for the country you represent.
To get our athletes back in focus, players should be mindful of the six pillars of character that Josephson Institute considers the model for code of conduct for athletes.
The six pillars of character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Different sports organizations have compiled their ideas and suggestions in order to ensure that sports will be a constructive force in the lives of millions of sports followers throughout the world.
Suggestions are aimed to assure that principles of sportsmanship and fair play will be held high and above all other values to be gained through sports participation. We may recall a visitor called for fair refereeing during the entire tournament. “The essential elements of ethics in sports are honesty and integrity. It is only through such conduct that sports can earn and maintain a rightful place in our educational program and make a positive contribution to society.”
For the benefit of the athletes, the sports organizations stressed the importance to give all players opportunities to improve in their skills in order for these athletes to gain confidence and develop self-esteem.
Athletes, foreign or local have been vocal on their demands that have something to do with their energy, enthusiasm and those that will affect their performance. Hence, we heard complaints about food and accommodation. These complaints should not be taken lightly as we all know good health and clean living are essential to the physical fitness of our players.
As country host of this international sport event, our organizers should have taken into consideration that some athletes have diet restrictions owing to the fact that Muslims do not eat pork. It was rather insensitive by our caterers not to separate the dishes served.
Sports organizations here and abroad also remind athletes regarding their positions as role models to include personal behavior and private activities... “exemplify the highest moral character behavior and leadership adhering to strong ethical and integrity standards.”
I think we also have to remind our government officials on their code of conduct. Blame games have no part in an international tournament. This kind of distraction is not helping our athletes.