Analyzing sports in Latin America - Essay Example

?Sports in Latin America The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of sports in Latin America. The format that this paper will utilized is to first provide some background, physical geography and the demographics of Latin America. After this point a discussion will be conducted on sports that play a significant role in Latin America followed by a discussion on some of the ancillary sports that are played in the region. Finally this paper will include some brief discussions on the cultural significance of sports in different regions. Without question Latin American is a massive region. Using the most loose definition, Latin American encompasses all of central, as well of south American and includes vast regions of the Caribbean. Strictly speaking the region encompasses many different people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Although some people would argue that the continent has been dominated by Spanish and Portuguese colonization, many successive waves of immigrants from various parts of Europe, Asia and Africa has made a significant impact on the continent. For example Nestor Kirchner (The former president of Argentina) was of German descent, and Alberto Fujimori (The former President of Peru) was of Japanese descent. This has played a significant role in the impact of sports in Latin America insofar as people tended to bring their own cultural traditions with them when emigrating to Latin America. For example cricket (A sport which was created by the British) plays a more domineering role in the Falkland Islands, and baseball plays a more important role in the Dominican Republic (A nation with some historic ties with the United States). Physical geography plays a significant role in the impact of sport in Latin America because the continent is extremely diverse. FIFA had a temporary ban on international matches stadiums at high altitudes which made it difficult for nations like Bolivia. Moreover, nations that have access to lakes and oceans are more likely to engage in paddling sports than those that are landlocked. For the purpose of this paper the major sports that will be discussed are soccer (football), baseball, and basketball. Without question, soccer plays a significant role in Latin America. Although the sport is likely played across the entire continent some nations have become international powerhouses. Argentina is a nation that not only performs well in international competitions (Such as the World Cup) but has also give us some of the most memorable players. Diego Maradona is a player who came from humble roots in Buenos Aires yet is remember for two major goals during his career “The goal of the Century” and the “Hand of God” goal. Just after the completion of the Falkland war Argentina and England came face to face at the 1986 FIFA World Cup Quarter Final. The first half of the game was scoreless yet in the first few minutes of the second half, an English player tried to clear the ball yet accidentally hooked it towards the English goalkeeper. At this point Maradona jumped , screeching through the air with his fist extended which came into contact with the ball which went into the goal. The referee never saw the infraction and the English. However just a few minutes later Maradona ran at full steam for over sixty meters, blazing past five English defenders and ran 'dribbled' the ball around the English goalkeeper to score the goal that the English could not return. Although Argentina went on to win the World cup, it was often stated that beating England was more important as it satisfied their revenge for the Falkland war. Although some soccer players are relatively unknown in the United States they are often more popular than movie stars in their own country. Player such as Lionel Messi (Argentina) Ronaldinho (Brazil), Marcelo Salas (Chile), or Cladio Pizarro (Peru) are all international celebrities. Soccer plays a significant role in South American sports but it is by no means the only Sport. In nations such as the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Venezuela you are often more likely to see children playing on a baseball diamond. The reasoning behind why these nations have adopted the game is not entirely known but it arguably has to do with the relative proximity to the United States (And the presence of American armed forces personnel or merchants) as well as the sports reputation as a blue collar 'working class' game. Not only are the top players of these nations celebrities in their home countries but are well known in the United States an Canada as well. Major players such as Jose Bauitista from Santo Domingo was the American league home run Champion. Omar Gonzales from Caracas has been playing for over 23 years in the Major Leagues of the United States and is considered one of the greatest shortstops of all time and has won many Golden Gloves awards. Although these players may have found fame in the international scene their dedication improving the lives of their home countries is unquestioned. Player such as Albert Pujols founded the Pujols Family Foundation promotes awareness of Down Syndrome and aides disabled peoples in the Dominican Republic. When he makes annual pilgrimages to his home country to contribute to his charities the reaction of the people generates a god like reverence and the gasps of teams of children who catch site of him walking through the streets becomes a highlight for many peoples lives. In recent years Basketball has seen a huge upswing in many Latin American nations. It had been argued that Soccer had become popular for the masses simply because a player only required a ball to play a game, and this largely holds true for the sport of basketball. The South American Championship is a competition that monitors which teams will participate for the Tournament of the Americas and nations such as Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Chile always seem to make a presence. Although the humble origins of recreational basketball my be fresh in peoples minds the sport has become increasingly professional on the international stage in recent decades. At the 2008 Olympics, the Argentinean men's team won the bronze medal and the woman’s team had a very strong presence. Although these may be some of the top sports in Latin America some other sports such as rugby union, cricket, and jai alai are all widely played across the land mass. In the example of rugby union Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Brazil and Paraguay are all well known for the sport. Although soccer reigns supreme, rugby satisfies a more blood sport driven crowd. Football hooligans may be more associated with soccer, rugby fans often cheer at the sight of a burly player ploughing full throttle through an opposing team member, leaving him defeated on the grassy field. Jai Alai is not well known in many countries but is respected in Latin America for its speed. Players use a hooked ball launcher to hurl a heavy blunt ball towards a wall at high velocity that makes the ball seem to disappear into the air only to reappear in the opposing players catching tool. Seeing a player misstep can be more treacherous than a linebacker barrelling down on a defenceless player. As a final example there exists the sport of cricket which is widely played on the Falkland Islands. The port originated amongst shepherds in Great Britain and on the sheep grazing lands of the Islands it is a source of amusement for many a bored Shepard. Although complex in its rules when a bowler pitches to a batsman who is able to defend his wicket there is no site more exciting to a cricket fan than to see his team player dash between wickets with an entire week long game often decided by a simple ten foot dive. Without question different sports plays different roles in the lives of Latin Americans. Although they may often play different sports, the impact is always wide reaching and powerful. Read More