Watching late last night Egypt time, it was fun to see Butler narrowly get past a stingy Michigan State squad in the opener and then in the night cap, Duke destroyed a solid West Virginia team that had only a week before knocked off most observers pick for the national title: Kentucky. As I sat there watching, it struck me how emotional and intense American college basketball can be. It is one of those rare sports where fans, teams and coaches get pumped up to see their teams do well, or at least make it to the Big Dance. Here in Egypt, school sports are nearly non-existent as there doesn't seem to be much space. Remembering back to my childhood, the thought of mom and dad picking me up from practice and then heading home for dinner is something all people should at least have the opportunity to experience. Sport can be a positive thing in people's lives, but only if done properly. We have seen, in Europe, in the US and even here in Egypt, how sport – and the loss or victory of the team – can lead to massive unrest on the streets. This is unacceptable, wherever it happens. Back to the NCAA tournament. This is a three-week event that has many Americans and non-Americans staying up late – if they are living abroad – to watch each hour and a half game. It is full of excitement, buzzer beaters, last second possessions that mean the world to a bunch of kids who are barely able to vote. It is fun. That's all there is, just good simple fun. It hits home as we walk through the streets of Cairo and elsewhere in Egypt that there just isn't any real places for kids to participate in team sports. Sure, there are the little parks and clubs open to the public – they have to pay to enter, of course – so it is just a thought, but maybe it is time for sport to take on a new meaning. Let's get public high schools the space they need in order to develop the talent of their youth, both boys and girls. One American psychologist told me a few years ago that “playing sports when you are young is a good determinant as to how one's health and mental capacity will be as an adult.” She said that through the community and “coming togetherness that sports bring to a child” young kids start to see their worth and importance, even if it is on the field or on the court. The NCAA basketball tournament is a great example of how sports can bring communities together, bridge gaps and create unity in a world that seems to be falling apart quicker than Kansas' departure from this year's tournament. Let's not force the “American” sporting tradition on people, but there should be some options for Egyptians and others who don't have the current space needed to create and develop their young kids. Kids like to play sports and they like to have the opportunity to join a team. Schools are the best opportunity to make this a reality. Who know's, if the Egyptian government put a little money into buttressing the educational system in terms of sports and music, there is no doubt many Egyptians would find the experience a whole lot better than they currently do today. Maybe one day there can be a Big Dance in Egypt, whether that be basketball or soccer or squash. It could happen. BM
