Clap!
Snap!
Yay!
Uh!
Wwwwwhistle!
Repeat.
My name is Dustin. I am an American without any background in Arabic. Here at WSC there is a nearly palpable language barrier. Expressing your thoughts and intentions to another can prove to be quite a difficult task. So, why do it? Why come half way across the world to coach?
There is a communication that trumps any language barrier. It is spoken and understood by every culture from the archaic to the most developed. Can you guess what it is yet? Body language.
This is why I love sports. When you play in confines of the rules of a game the actual spoken language does not matter. Bonds can be formed without speaking words or knowing names. There is something beautiful in seeing this and a greater appreciation when you get to be apart of it.
The kids have an event where they get to draft one staff member to their team of 5 and play in four events. I happened to be drafted. I had never noticed or spoken to any of my team until this moment. Our team played Basketball twice, dodge ball, and beach handball. We won three and tied one. This event I was privileged to be apart has completely changed my experience in the short hour and a half I participated.
I know what my teammates look like, how they play, how they interact, and many more other characteristics I cannot verbalize. I know this despite one of them having to translate everything I said to them. Even though my time with them was brief, we have a bond now that will last for the rest of camp if not forever.
This is my proof that body language in association with sports trumps language barriers. Those kids go out of there way to come talk to me despite our inability to communicate effectively. They say they miss me. They come to give me a five. This a big deal since our paths do not cross much during this camp.
Maybe it’s applause. Maybe it’s a high five. Maybe it’s a shoutout from across the field. Maybe it’s a whistle or a cheer. Communication is happening and bonds are forming here at WSC. It’s organic, natural, and a beautiful thing to watch. It’s even better to appreciate.
Dustin McClure
RRM goes to Egypt 