by Frank Marr
Community is what sport and culture are ultimately here to serve. Without the spectators, the fans, the locals, and the nation behind it, the professionalism of sport means little. It’s the people who give it purpose, and often the power to help define a nation.
Sport and culture are vehicles that bring people together, foster local pride, and offer meaning beyond competition. Without the spectators, the supporters, and the community itself, sport would not carry the same power to define people and place. At its best, it transcends physical performance: it becomes a shared experience, a cultural expression, and sometimes even a national identity.
This weekend, that spirit was on full display in Riga as the Ghetto Games hosted a two-day football festival, bringing together professionals, amateurs, politicians, and everyday citizens. Here’s our take from day two.
Community Through Sport
Sport doesn’t just produce athletes — it builds communities. Whether by offering a sense of purpose, promoting physical and mental well-being, or creating spaces for social exchange between unlikely peers, sport remains a vital part of civic life.
Across Europe, this impact is well recognised. According to the European Commission, 76% of people say that sport and physical activity help them feel part of a community, while studies show that those who regularly participate in sport are more likely to report good mental health and stronger social connections.
Furthermore, one in four Europeans say they participate in sport or physical activity primarily for its social benefits.
The example of Wrexham, a football team turned global phenomenon, shows how community-driven sport can fuel television success, civic pride, and economic growth. Their rise, powered as much by fans and local culture as by football, reminds us that sport at its best is a shared story.
Latvia’s Health Challenge
Latvia has work to do. The country continues to face some of the poorest health outcomes in the EU. Life expectancy remains below the EU average — 74.4 years versus 80.1 years across the bloc, according to Eurostat. The country also struggles with high rates of preventable illness and low levels of physical activity. Fewer than 40% of Latvians report doing any sport or exercise weekly, a figure well below the Nordic or Western European average.
Sporting events like the Ghetto Games are therefore not just a celebration — they are essential. They create accessible opportunities for participation, break down social barriers, and remind policymakers of sport’s potential as a tool for public health, social cohesion, and national development.
The Tournament
In August 2025, Baltic Football News accepted the challenge to participate in the Ghetto Games media football tournament with a hastily assembled, motley-crew squad. The event featured two groups of four teams each, with the top two progressing to the finals.
The “Media All-Stars” (playfully dubbed as ‘couch experts’), featuring our own Frank Marr, faced a brutal opening draw: the Latvian National Ice Hockey Team, including two Stanley Cup winners (Uvis Balinskis & Teddy Blueger); a strong side from the Latvian Football Federation made up of former and current professionals; and the Latvian eSports national team — technically sharp, though perhaps not built for the turf.
After two heavy defeats, the media found redemption with a win against the eSporters. With one win and two losses, we exited with dignity — but also with a reminder of the gulf between amateurs and seasoned pros.
In the second group, national politicians, influencers, reporters, and the Ghetto Games organisers took to the pitch. The Ghetto Games fielded some real talent, but the same couldn’t be said for the MPs. Let’s hope they govern better than they play.
The final was unsurprisingly a professional affair. The Latvian Football Federation took home the trophy, showing composure and class. The national ice hockey team claimed second, proving their elite athleticism transfers well across disciplines. More importantly, this wasn’t just a contest — it was a rare and meaningful chance for people from all walks of life to compete, connect, and celebrate.
A Well-Organised Event
A great deal of respect goes to the Ghetto Games team, led by Antons Semeņaks, whose tireless efforts produced more than just a tournament. They delivered atmosphere, entertainment, and most crucially, an opportunity for the Riga community to mix and participate in sport. From music to media, and football to families — the weekend brought together sport, politics, and the public in one of the most refreshing and unifying events of the summer.
Because when a society invests in sport, it invests in health, happiness, and togetherness. Perhaps the Minister for Economics, Viktors Valainis — who himself took part in the tournament — could look to boost a combined sports-and-culture economy further when seeking ways to reduce costs elsewhere.
And in a country like Latvia — where life expectancy is low and social cohesion is still recovering from years of transition — these investments matter more than ever.
