Sport Brings The World Together
Juan Antonio Samaranch who served as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1980–2001 made the following statement at the 1996 Olympic Opening Ceremony:
5-Sport Brings The World Together
Possibly the purist form of sport takes place on the World Stage. Events like the Olympics, World Cup, World Baseball Classic and Ice Hockey World Championships are just a few examples of athletic competition where Nations compete to call themselves the best in the World. Every day life is different for those who live in Communist States vs Democratic Societies however in Sport everyone must play by the same rules. Athletes compete not for monetary gain but for National Pride in hopes to stand on the podium and while the National Anthem of their country plays throughout the arena.
In America, Sport is one of the only places where “The Star Spangled Banner” is even played. In an effort to band together and promote patriotism during World War 1 and 2, The Song was introduced first during the 7th Inning Stretch and eventually found a home as a pregame ritual. After the Attacks of September 11th, baseball again started a new tradition of playing “God Bless America” bringing not only a city but a Nation Together.
Professional Sport in America is not only popular within the borders of our own country but also abroad. According to Sports Illustrated In 2015 more than 93 million followers from China followed the NBA on social Media and The NFL has played games this season in both London and Mexico. Major League Baseball, NHL and the NBA both all field franchises from multiple countries. Sport brings the World Together.
In the song, “We’ve got Stronger Beer” Tim Hicks sings that while there are many differences in Canadians and their Southern Neighbors we have Sport in Common: “We say “Eh?”, you say “Y’all Ya we both got pro football”. Sport brings the World Together.
