DEBATE CLUB #12: Sport: Does it unite or divide?

QUESTIONS FOR DEBATE

What sports have you competed in and/or attended? Did you enjoy the competitive aspect of your/that sport?

Do you attend sporting events? Why? Why not?

What is your opinion on the atmosphere at such events? Does it vary depending on the type of sport?

Do you think sport is a catalyst for aggressivity, hatred and discrimination?

What about violent sports (boxing, martials arts, hockey, wrestling...)? Can they unite despite their roughness, which people obviously enjoy?

Fair play is an expression which stems from sport: isn't teaching fair play and respect what competitive sports are all about?

What other values does sport teach? Do you think all federations do so equally?

Do such events as the Paris Olympics express the best in us (athletes and audience) or do they just take our minds away from dealing with 'the real world'?

After the Paris Olympics, would you say that sport opens our minds and hearts to our differences OR that it enhances our chauvinism?

Do you believe sport will bridge the gaps in gender equality more quickly than society does?

Does sport have the power to influence politics, towards peace or conflict?

Have you witnessed or experienced any specific occurrence in sport which illustrates either side: division and unity?