Beyond Sport Recommends
June 4, 2021
Today, we’re kicking off the first Beyond Sport Recommends series of 2021. As the world of sport slowly returns to normality, here are a few recommendations on what we’re watching, reading and listening to during this period.
Something to inspire: 144
Long-time partner of Beyond Sport, ESPN’s new documentary about the WNBA is truly an inspiration in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 144 follows the players as they lived within the “Wubble,” an isolation bubble located in Bradenton, Florida. The documentary shows behind the scenes of what happened in the lead up to the WNBA 2020 season, playing on themes of racial injustice with the news of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.
Something for the little ones: Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in pursuit of a dream
A great little book that touches on themes of determination, hard work and perseverance through hardships. This true story about NBA legend, Michael Jordan illustrates how he almost gave up on his dream of playing professional basketball because he thought he would never grow tall enough. Its heart-warming and motivational tale is told by Jordan’s mother’s perspective as the author.
Something for movie night: Battle of the Sexes
This blockbuster is based on the true story of the 1973 tennis match between tennis legend Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, which became the most watched televised sports event of all time. Both were on opposite ends of the binary argument and this historic match sparked discussions around important themes such as gender equality, inclusion and sexuality.
Something to read: The Great Swim by Gavin Mortimer
This bestseller is about the famous nurture versus nature debate. The book goes through conversations with leading scientists and Olympic champions, and interviews with athletes who have rare genetic mutations or physical traits. It’s a great take on science and forces us to rethink the very nature of athleticism.
Something for the whole family: Invictus
Recommended by our very own Founder and President and Rugby enthusiast, Nick Keller, this 2009 biographical sports drama is one to spark revelation and truly inspire. Based on a true story, the movie chronicles the events before and after the 1995 Rugby World Cup as Nelson Mandela campaigned for South Africa to host the global event as a means to reunite the country that was torn apart by apartheid.
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