Native Youth in Sports: How Sports Benefit Indigenous Students

In the article " The Ancient History of Cheating in the Olympics" by Naom Shavin , there is a discussion of the leniency in today's world compared to ancient Greek when it comes to cheating . During ancient Olympians they didn't have access to drugs to better perform , and those who know Greek history well, say " a number of athletes definitely would  have." Even though they played in a setting of culture and religion with a sense of honor , some were still not the "Cleanist" of players. Greek cheating involved jinxing, foul play and even bribery. Athletes would have "curse tablets" inscribed on strips of led that were then placed in the floor of the athletic facilities. With foul play they were often hit with rods or sticks, when caught committing bribery, they got fined. In a lot of forms of cheating, there were statues that were paid by the city or the cheater themselves, to set reminders of their cheating. Not only were the athletes cheating but the officials also crowned members of their own city, leading to fines on the officials but having their decision upheld. 

This movie "The Grizzlies" is based on a true story of a group of Inuit students from Kugluktuk, Nunavut. When the students were first introduced to the game of lacrosse, they didn't show up and weren't interested, but as they started participating and becoming a team, they start to make a positive change and better choices. Although their community is divided with their thinking and way of life the team brang in unity. Lacrosse had the most impact on the students though. It inspired them to work hard, improve their grades, and attend school regularly. Instead of engaging in negative behaviors like drinking, violence, or thoughts of suicide, they found comfort and purpose in playing lacrosse. For many of them, lacrosse became "their way out" of the challenges they found in their community, including the long-standing issue of suicide. To me this game had brought a big change to the community, in the kids thinking and even their thoughts on their future.  

Latina girls deal with lots of criticism, discrimination and stereotypes not only because they are latina but also because they are girls. They are not put in the game as much as other girls in the same sport, this discourages many of them from playing at all, along with a message to them saying they don't belong. Stereotypes are placed on them that they are all emotional, sensitive and weak making coaches feel they have to be more careful. Girls, especially teenage girls play a big part in a traditional home like the Latina community. So coaches believe they won't care about the sport, as they feel they will put their family first. 

The Mesoamerican Ballgame Association are working to revive a sporting tradition once played by their ancestors. 'Juego de Pelota' is thought to be 3,000 years-old and was once played by the Aztecs, Maya and Incas.  When the Spanish conquistadors showed up in the 16th century they banned many things including this as they perceived it as demonic and worship of the devil. This game is religious and before they start they are to ask mother earth to protect them and lead them also, so they don't get hurt. As the associated players play they feel they enter a spirit and their ancestors are playing along with them, Before many of the players started playing they dealt with alcohol and drug addiction, now they are "addicted"  to the game, it improved their lives and helped many young people change.