According to Forbes, there are 14 countries in Africa that are ranked as the world’s saddest countries, the saddest being the Central African Republic. Luckily, there is a solution. Sports give a sense of well being, which is also a very important factor when trying to improve happiness. A sense of well being can give you more energy, improve self esteem, and also lower anxiety and depression. This will improve happiness levels in developing countries such as the Central African Republic. 

     According to Live Strong, sports can teach values to young children. Some of these include teamwork, work ethic, fairness, and overcoming adversity. There is no doubt that these values are important in life. They can help you get a job, start a business, and overcome obstacles that might be put in your way. Africa is a great continent, but a lot of countries in Africa need values like these to hold their country together. The children of Africa are the future of Africa and need to be taught these values

 

      Last and most helpful to a developing nations is organized sportsTournaments may be the biggest boost to an economy​The FIFA World Cup was held in Africa for the first time in history in 2010. The Republic of South Africa was the host. According to the Washington Times, They spent 3 billion dollars developing their nation, FIFA also spent 1.298 billion dollars in South Africa. South Africa will experience in the long term, a 6 billion dollar economy boost. Although South Africa is a big nation already, tournaments like these should have a similar effect on developing nations.  According to the Washington Times, South Africa is already thinking about hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics. More tournaments means more money for the hosting nation and it’s surrounding areas. 

      Sports are a huge boost to developing and non developing nations, through economic boosts, improving health, happiness, and teaching athletes values. Sports are more than just a game. So, the next time you think about sports, think of them as a cultural and economic uplifting to your nation and the other nations around you. Sports have been played for thousands of years, and have never been as important as they are now. 

 

Sources:

Forbes Magazine, n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2015. 

Photo: Fifa World Cup 2010. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

Photo:  Longman, JERÉ. Youth League Fights Aids With Soccer. Digital image. New York Times. New York Times, n.d. Web. 21 Apr. 2015.

"South Africa Spent $3 Billion on 2010 World Cup." Washington Times. The Washington Times, n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2015. 

Sports." LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 28 Jan. 2015. Web. 08 Apr. 2015.