It's sad to think that the Olympics are ending, and now we must wait another four years for the next events. In my eyes, the Olympics were the two weeks where the whole world can drop the violence and hatred, and just enjoy the beauty of sports. It amazes me that while at work, I notice that there are so many people who are proud when Michael Phelps wins another gold, or the U.S. wins another volleyball or basketball game. It's bittersweet to know that one of the only things that is keeping this world together is the simple concept of just a game.
Michael Phelps with another gold
Growing up with both sides of my family living and breathing sports, whether it's hockey, basketball, football, baseball, and many more, it wasn't a surprise that that same love migrated over to me. Learning from my dad, and uncles, I grew up a die hard Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox fan. Some of my favorite memories from my childhood were watching the NBA finals with my grandparents, or just talking sports with any one of my family members. Much like many others, sports were a way for me to escape from the busy everyday life.
As I started to grow even more into high school, I learned that sports meant even more for others who battled tough times, or just simply longed for a title in their city. Take Cleveland for example. Before the Cavaliers had won their first NBA title ever, and their first city title since 1964, fans all around the city no matter what color or creed would come together and hope that Cleveland will indeed get that long awaited title. I remember watching a documentary on the topic, where fathers and sons all over were crying together when LeBron finally got that title for his beloved city here in 2016.
The impact the Cavaliers title had on this Cleveland fan was life changing
For me, I was lucky to see the Red Sox get there first title in eighty six years back in 2004. I remember watching our own American military out in an air base in another country cheering and crying, knowing that they can be happy that their beloved baseball team has finally won a World Series. They risk their lives everyday for us, and this large event in sports was a way to escape the everyday horrors and stress that they go though so they can be happy for that moment.
I think the fan's sign says it all
Jim Brown, the legendary football player said it best after the Cavaliers first title back in June. He said (paraphrased obviously), that this event is something that brings together a city, and puts a halt to the violence and segregation that goes on just for that one sweet moment. And in that moment, your color and culture does not matter at all, just being a human does.
The Olympics are true to that statement as well. Even though there is always that threat for a terrorist attack or something else at this type of world event, we as a society cannot think about that. It's always a beautiful thing to see how much any type of medal affects someone personally or just for their country. I always enjoy the impact it has on the athletes, and how much of a passion they have for their sport.
Sports are definitely more than just a game. Yes it seems cliche, but its true. Athletes have that power to be role models for kids everywhere struggling. I have been blessed to watch great moments in sports all throughout my childhood, and I will continue to witness many more. Sports bring cities, states, and countries together. Even the world. Sports are those little moments in life where we can escape stress, violence, racism, and other types of discrimination. And at the end of every day, I can be satisfied with the fact that sports have impacted other people's lives just as much as mine.
