Sociology of sports is the study of the relationship between sports and society. It examines how culture and values influence sports, how sports influences culture and values, and the relationship between sports and media, politics, economics, religion, race, gender, youth, etc. It also looks at the relationship between sports and social inequality and social mobility.

Last Friday at around 6:10pm, a conversation about gender equality in sport came to an abrupt end when I became another victim in the local crime statistic.

As I watched the two afro Trinibagonians young men speed off East on Melville Lane—their feet turning over faster than an Olympic gold medal sprinter—the entire repertoire of emotions flooded my consciousness. My cell phone was my desktop, et al.

The further they ran all I could focus upon is the years of documents, thoughts, photos, writings and the sketch of what I anticipate to be a memoir in time to come heading off into the proverbial sunset.

Enthusiasm had gotten the better of me as the topic of conversation overrode common-sense.

The incident occurred on Tranquillity Street, opposite Balisier House, as I was engaging in my habit of walking as a means of keeping physically active. In fact, earlier that day my excitement had been fuelled by the media launch at Olympic House of the 2018 T&T International Marathon.

Here I am at around six o’clock; this time of the year, six is still bright, what was I thinking?

What made me forget T&T for a while now had become a lost paradise. To be honest I reflected on one of a number thoughts that rushed through my mind as I watched the two athletic-looking young men heading off with years of work and priceless information, knowledge and memories. The event happened so quickly but I could remembered thinking why were they not directing their talent and potential in more productive ways.

Then I began to ask myself, why are we losing the battle to keep crime down and is there more sport can do?

At that time I was so annoyed with myself for dropping my guard. Was it because I was on Tranquillity Street opposite Balisier House, was because of the environment and just having come from volunteering at Olympic House having a conversation about gender equality.

Then I found myself laughing at myself as I fought to not allow bitterness to take over, and mentally began to scold myself. I looked at how I could salvage my material loss—I can replace my cellphone and thank the Almighty for life.

* Can sport make a greater contribution to the fight against crime and youth crime in particular?

* What policies need to be put in place to encourage more sociology of sport research?

Surely we can’t hand our beautiful twin Island republic over to the criminal elements or the criminally inclined.

One important observation for me was the quick and positive response of T&T Police Service. The fact is, that there are many hard working, dedicated and committed officers as I have crossed during this experience.

Sweet T&T is worth fighting for no matter what!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Brian Lewis is the President of the T&T Olympic Committee(TTOC) and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the organisation.