Whether it’s an American baseball game, a fútbol tournament in Mexico or an ice hockey match in Canada, sports bring unity around the world.
Players and fans alike have a love and appreciation for sports that extends beyond borders and spans across various countries.
Global connectivity is boosted even more when national competitions like the Olympics or the World Cup are held, which bring several cultures, countries and walks of life together to play sports.
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, 206 National Olympic Committees and International Olympic Committees Refugee Olympic Team participated, according to the Olympics website.
Athletes from at least 206 different territories came together over their shared love and passion for sports.
Although I personally am not a big fan of sports, the power and influence sports hold is undeniable.
Competitions and matches on TV can also bring families and friends together to discuss the game.
I have several memories I’ll cherish of when I was younger at family parties, hosted just because of a sports game.
Fans of these national leagues are able to bond over their shared love for sports.
The type of comradery felt when you go to a stadium and see the thousands of other fans wearing the same colors and rooting for the same team is like no other.
Besides national participation, sports are able to build communities through inclusivity. After all, sports are not just forming national teams and associations.
Sports also include the local leagues created for all ages, genders and backgrounds to participate which can promote equality between communities.
A study reported that 68% of adults meet new people in their community because of sports, and 66% of them also said they felt a connection with their community because of sports, according to a 2023 Nextdoor survey.
Sport leagues that are organized for children are able to teach kids important life skills and values.
Since sports can be played by all genders, they can also bring the world closer to gender equality.
Women are just as hardworking and talented as their m at participating in sports and competing at a professional level.
Serena Williams, Simone Biles, and Coco Gauff are some examples of women athletes that break records and inspire young girls who dream of becoming successful players.
Female athletes like them constantly prove their athletic prowess as they strive to be top players in their respective sports.
Sports overall bring enlightenment that can boost individuals’ well being from various places in the world.
