Being involved in sports and having a very sport orientated family just helped the transition extremely well. I guess, in a way, your school colleagues saw you out and about, and you were part of the team you were getting into the Australian way, learning the language. The transition was extremely smooth.

Saroo Brierley’s quote reflects the importance of being involved in sports and having a sport-oriented family in facilitating a smooth cultural transition. After moving to Australia, Brierley found that sports provided a natural avenue to connect with others, build relationships, and integrate into a new community. His participation in sports helped him adapt to the Australian way of life, not just through the language, but also by becoming part of the social fabric of his new environment. This sense of belonging made the transition much easier and allowed him to adjust to his new country with more confidence.

The origin of this quote lies in Brierley’s personal experiences as an immigrant from India who moved to Australia at a young age. He is best known for his remarkable journey of being lost and then reunited with his biological family, which he shared in his memoir A Long Way Home, later adapted into the movie Lion. Brierley’s story involves themes of identity, adaptation, and the role of community in overcoming challenges. In this quote, he underscores how sports became a powerful tool in helping him find a sense of normalcy and belonging in his new life.

Brierley’s mention of being part of the team is significant, as it shows how sports can transcend the initial challenges of language barriers and cultural differences. Through teamwork, shared goals, and physical activity, he was able to bond with his schoolmates and gain acceptance, which was crucial for his emotional and social adjustment. The structure and discipline of sports also likely provided a comforting familiarity that made him feel more at home in his new environment.

Ultimately, Brierley’s quote highlights the role of sports in easing the transition to a new culture and life, particularly for young immigrants. It suggests that sports are not just about physical activity but also serve as a social bridge that helps people connect, adapt, and thrive in unfamiliar settings. For Brierley, his involvement in sports was key to embracing change and learning the values and language of his new homeland while forming meaningful connections with those around him.