Since the conception of some of the world's most popular sporting events -- the Olympics, the World Cup, the Super Bowl -- sports have been a way for people of different backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses and cultures to come together for a similar cause. That effect extends from children interacting on the playground to a global unification of nations through sports and competition. What often seems like nothing more than simple games for children has the power to affect relations on a personal, national and global level.
Between Children
On the schoolyard, sports have a way of breaking down social barriers to create a level playing field. Because many sports are played with little equipment, children of various socioeconomic backgrounds are able to play together. The idea of playing sports as a team helps create unity in schools and other organizations to help disperse cliques and bullies in favor of unified teams.
Between Families
Sports are an excellent way to bind families. Through sports, families are able to travel, practice and encourage each other in their various sports endeavors. Driving together for games, cheering on the sidelines and spending time together for regular practice helps carve out scheduled family time even in the face of busy individual schedules. Sports are also a simple way to learn the importance of fitness as a family.
Between Fans
Sports affect fans on a local, regional and national level. During high profile sporting events, the fans of each team playing are bound together through a mutual love of the game and support of their home team. While the rivalry between teams can have a polarizing effect, a city or state's communal love for a sport gives everyone common basis for interests and activities. The players of a team often act as ambassadors for a certain city or state.
Between Cultures and Nations
Sports are the same in every language and culture: a child in Uganda could play soccer as easily as a child from Los Angeles. Because sports are easy to understand and don't necessarily require language, they bind the nations of Earth together through a common denominator: sports and competition. Wilfried Lemke, the United Nation's Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace told reporters in 2008 that “Sport is a universal language that unites people and breaks down barriers, whether they are ethical, religious, economic or social,” Whether it's the Olympics, the World Cup or a pickup game between two people who don't speak the same language, sports are something that everyone understands.
References
- Education.com; The Benefits of Team Sports; Lucy Rector Filppu
- "The Sunday Times"; All Together Now -- The Unifying Power of Sports; Simon Barnes; July 2007
- UN News Centre: UN Envoy Stresses Role of Sports as Unifying Force Among Nations, Peoples; June 2008
- "L.A. Times"; Sports Show the Power to Unify; Diane Pucin; February 2010
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