Sport is more than exercise and competition – it is a place of encounter, responsibility and attitude. In this series of interviews, people who are involved in clubs, associations and projects for democracy education, diversity and a clear no to misanthropy have their say.
The interview series “Push for Democracy” – funded by the federal program against right-wing extremism and misanthropy in sport – today with an interview with our federal youth leader Paola Onofaro.
You are actively involved in the DJB junior team for young judoka and projects. What particularly motivates you to promote democratic participation and co-determination among young people in sport?
For me that’s only logical. In my opinion, there is no reason why young people shouldn’t have a say – after all, it’s about them. Children and young people make up a very large (if not the largest) proportion in most sports associations. In the DJB junior team in particular, we design projects for young people. Who should know better what young people want if not young people themselves?
What experiences have you had when young people are involved in decision-making processes – and what can adults learn from it?
In my experience, the exchange in such decision-making processes becomes more diverse because more perspectives are illuminated. Sport is changing – and with it the people who practice it and are affected by the decisions. The experience of those who have been shaping this sport for years or decades is indispensable in this exchange. But so does the perspective of young people, who ultimately make up the next generation of sport. For a successful exchange, it is important that both the younger and older people are open to one another, listen to one another and respect one another.
To what extent does intercultural exchange (e.g. in international camps or youth projects) help to anchor democratic values more firmly?
When people from different countries, cultures and realities of life come together and exchange ideas, they learn in a very practical way that it is ok to have different views. This promotes openness, tolerance and respect – fundamental democratic values. Intercultural youth projects are enriching because values can be experienced not only theoretically, but through joint action, which means that these values can be better anchored.
How can judo as a sport empower young people to use their voice – even beyond sport?
I think that judo values provide the basis for young people to use their voices beyond sport. Successful training depends on mutual exchange. Being helpful can mean that I exchange information about a technique with my training partner. Courage can help me to speak up when something bothers me and the Judo value of respect creates an atmosphere in which I can dare to contribute my perspective. Seeing that your own voice is important and is heard can help you use your voice in other areas of life and stand up for yourself and your values.
