ONE TEAM, ONE WORLD: The role of sports in bridging cultural divides

The Paris 2024 Olympics were more than just a global stage for athletic excellence; it was a powerful reminder of how sport can unite people across cultures and borders. While the world watched with bated breath for record-breaking performances and medal counts, the deeper significance of these games lied in their ability to foster understanding and unity among nations with diverse backgrounds.

For many athletes, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of their careers, a moment to shine on the world stage. Yet, for others, it serves as a potent reminder of how sports can bridge cultural divides and bring people together in profound ways.

As a former Australian national karate team member, I’ve seen firsthand the unifying power of sport. Competing with teammates of diverse backgrounds—Australians with roots in Lebanon, Iran, China, and myself, a Jew whose parents escaped from Egypt—was a source of immense pride. We weren’t just representing Australia; we symbolized the possibility of unity amidst diversity.

Despite our vastly different backgrounds and the misconceptions that often accompany such diversity, we found common ground through our shared love of sport. This experience deepened my belief that sports are a natural platform for bringing people and communities together, regardless of their origins.

Sports offer a straightforward yet powerful model for promoting cooperation and social change. They empower coaches and players to become mentors and role models, teaching essential life skills such as coordination, concentration, balance, and discipline. Moreover, sports instill core values like respect, equality, compassion, and good sportsmanship. The pursuit of excellence in sports demands constant self-improvement, both physically and mentally, fostering adherence to common rules, fairness, and integrity.

In a world that often feels increasingly divided, sports can serve as a common language, a bridge between different sectors of society.

One Team Camp – promoting shared society in Israel

With all the challenges in the Middle East, there are shining examples of how sports can foster understanding, unity and social change. The Sports for Social Impact coalition, sponsored by the Azrieli foundation is a network of over 30 non – profit organizations in Israel with the specific goal to use sport for positive social change. Another example is the One Team Camp, an initiative of the Sport for Social Impact program, (SSI). Managed by World ORT at Kfar Silver in Ashkelon, the camp brings together Jewish and Bedouin girls in Israel, combining sports, education, and community building.

Hanan Abu Quidar- Bedouin Director of the One Team Camp. Photo: Liam Nulman

Amidst the war, potential attacks from Iran and multiple missiles from Gaza into Ashkelon, the camp participants completed the full ten days as planned reflecting the resilience of the Israeli community and their deep yearning for peace.

Photo: Liam Nulman

Now in its third year, the One Team camp provides a unique environment where girls aged 12–16 from different backgrounds live and train together.

The program’s mission is to nurture future leaders who will drive social progress and positive discourse, both within Israel and beyond. By fostering mutual respect and challenging stereotypes, the camp creates a vibrant space for personal growth, empowerment, and lasting friendships.

With their cell phones set aside, these girls forged deep friendships that transcend cultural and religious differences. For them, sport is not just a physical activity; it’s a tool for mutual understanding, respect, and tolerance. On the sports field, there are no distinctions based on ethnicity or religion—whether Arab, Jew, or Japanese, they all work toward the same goals: to excel, surpass themselves, and function as a team. The shared experiences at the camp create strong bonds, building bridges between communities that might otherwise remain divided.

Photo: Noa Manor

This is the first time I met a Jewish girl. I used to think that they were not nice or interested in me but the camp has changed my view completely. 

Gala 12yrs from the Bedouin village Kfar Arara

With an equal representation of Bedouin and Jewish girls, the camp embodies the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship. The 50 young girls engaged in a diverse range of sports activities, including tennis, volleyball, athletics, self-defense training, and swimming. The shared experiences on the sports field allow the girls to rise above cultural differences, creating a unified team that transcends societal boundaries.

Self defense training. Photo: Noa Manor

Empowering Women through Sport

The One Team camp is particularly significant in its emphasis on empowering young women through sport. The camp provides a platform for girls to develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of agency. The inclusion of inspiring female athletes and mentors like ultra-orthodox Olympian marathon runner Beatie Deutch during the camp highlights the importance of strong role models in the girls’ lives, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and break down barriers.

Unity Beyond the Field

Beyond sports, the camp experience is enriched with discussion circles, joint tours, and cultural exchanges, allowing the girls to learn from one another’s diverse backgrounds. Shared meals and family meetings further extend the impact of the camp, fostering connections that resonate within the broader community.

In an effort to broaden the program’s reach, this year included Asuka Arai, the 16 -year-old daughter of the Japan’s ambassador to Israel. She is an enthusiastic tennis player who wanted to learn about the Middle East conflict firsthand by meeting girls her age. Her experience at the camp was a deep dive into multiple cultures, as she interacted with Arab and Jewish girls from various backgrounds across Israel.

Fitness training with Sensei Danny and Hazem Abu Quedar. Photo: Liam Nulman

The cultural exchange was eye-opening for all participants. Many of the girls, were surprised to learn that someone could be neither Jewish, Muslim, nor Christian. These interactions underscored the importance of such programs in expanding the horizons of young people, helping them appreciate the diversity of the world around them.

Asuka and her Jewish and Arab team mates. Photo: Liam Nulman

Danny, Asuke and Ambassador Yusuke Arai: Photo: Liam Nulman

As the camp drew to a close, the girls were filled with emotion as their cell phones were returned, allowing them to exchange social media contacts and maintain the bonds they had formed. The hugs and tears were a testament to the deep connections they had made over the 10 days.

The One Team camp is not just a story of personal growth and success; it’s a beacon of hope for the region. It demonstrates that even in a complex and often divided environment, positive change is possible. The girls who graduate from the camp become ambassadors of peace in their communities, carrying with them the lessons of unity and mutual respect that they learned through sport.

Building a Future of Harmony and Understanding

In a world where division and conflict are all too common, the One Team camp stands as a powerful example of how sport can be used as a tool for social change, bridging cultural divides and fostering a spirit of cooperation and understanding. As we celebrate the achievements of athletes on the global stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics, we must also recognize and celebrate the quiet but significant victories of initiatives like the One Team camp, where the true spirit of sport is being used to build a better, more united world.

Graduation: Photo: Liam Nulman