The Power of Sports | Highlight 2024
Sport is the world’s most popular leisure pursuit, quite apart from major competitions and international leagues. But sport is also much more: It has the ability to connect and inspire people regardless of their age, social status and background. The Power of Sports observes those who seek passion, concentration, team spirit, competition and recognition through sport – people who have succumbed to its fascination.
Order number 464835 (028-035),
Documentary, 08 x 30 min., Arabic, English, Spanish
(25 additional episodes available)
The Power of Sports
Episode synopses:
028
Skate Sisters: On Track for the Olympics
Skateboarding is one of the newest Olympic sports and was first included in the 2021 Summer Games. The event prompted the formation of the first ever professional female national teams. The French national squad brings together pioneers of the skateboarding world and young talent, providing a forum for mutual development. For a long time, the skateboard lifestyle was dominated by men. But now, the national team is gradually helping to establish a confident new sense of identity within the female skater community.
029
Game Changers: Wheelchair Basketball
The ASKA Maroussi basketball team based in the Greek capital Athens trains in wheelchairs. The squad is a diverse group of people with and without disabilities, including sportspeople who’ve migrated to Greece. The team is an example of the integrative power of basketball. A power that’s also very much in evidence as the team prepares for the Paralympics – despite huge financial challenges.
030
The Tbourida Horsewomen – Embracing Tradition and Modernity
Tbourida is an ancient Moroccan equestrian art that simulates a military attack on enemy forces. It also represents the many varied dimensions of the participants’ cultural heritage: the tradition encompasses rituals, skills and artisanal knowledge related to clothing and craftsmanship. The focal point is the horse, as a sacred animal in Islam. Troops of between 11 and 15 riders known as “Sorbas” take part in competitions across Morocco every year. Most of the teams are all-male, but now more than a dozen female squads also compete; a group of riders who remain true to family tradition while breaking new ground.
031
The Sky’s the Limit – Daring Parachute Jumps
Three women test their limits with daring parachute jumps. One is a world champion parachutist. Another was recently made lieutenant in the French army‘s 1st Parachute Regiment. The third is a Muslim mother, from an immigrant family. The three women are united by their courage, as well as their determination to overcome their fears and their own internalized prejudices about their roles in society. But how does each of them deal with the moment when they must face their fears alone? The Great Leap, told from three perspectives.
032
Blind Soccer – When Other Senses Come into Play
The athletes of the French Blind Football national team spent a year preparing for the Paralympic Games. Their training highlights the special challenges faced by players as they find their way around the field. Communication is sometimes verbal, but the team also uses a variety of other methods. It’s particularly important for players to rely on their other senses. Many of these top athletes train without pay. Blind football is still little known and, like many other parasports, underfunded. The games are an important chance to gain more recognition.
033
The Rhythms of Resilience – Breakers from Togo
Five breakdancers from Togo are determined to professionalize their discipline against all odds. Their goal is to get African breakdance crews into the Olympic Games. It’s a dream that can only become reality if they join forces. The breakdancers find that some hurdles can only be overcome together. A story of individual emancipation and collective adventure.
034
From Head to Toe: Ball Games of the World
People’s enthusiasm for the ball is timeless and universal. From Latin America to Europe and Asia, there are many types of games that center around the ball. Game traditions such as Jikunahaty in Brazil or Chinlone in Myanmar were developed thousands of years ago, while others, like cycle ball or Gaelic football, are newer. All are deeply rooted in culture. What the games also have in common is that they spur people on to ever-greater achievements, while strengthening their sense of community. What are the ideas behind these games? What types of balls were developed for each game’s needs? And what are the rules and methods of play?
035
Ice Hockey in the Himalayas: A Race Against Climate Change
15-year-old Deachen wants to play on the Indian national ice hockey team. In her remote home village of Ladakh, 3,500 meters above sea level, she trains on frozen lakes. For a long time, she didn’t even possess her own pair of skates. And now, the lakes are taking longer and longer to freeze over – as a result of climate change. This gives Deachen even less time to train on the ice. But with the support of her parents, Deachen is doing everything she possibly can to realize her dream.