The Magic of Sports

What is one thing that consistently brings diverse groups of people together? A place where strangers gather, cheer, groan, celebrate, and commiserate as one. A place where people proudly wear the same colors to show unity and loyalty. A place where belonging feels natural and safe.
 
If you haven’t already guessed, I’m talking about sports.
 
The topic came up recently while spending time with friends. A shared love for the same team was discovered, and before long they were discussing statistics, favorite players, and memorable games. What began as a casual conversation quickly deepened their connection.
 
What is it about sports that can unite complete strangers? It feels almost magical.
 
You might assume neighbors would naturally find common ground. After all, they share fences, streets, and communities. Out of all the places they could have chosen to live, they ended up in the same neighborhood. Yet many neighbors never really get to know one another. We often treat the people living next door the same way we treat the person sitting beside us on an airplane—we politely pretend they aren’t there.
 
Sports, however, seem to break through those barriers.
 
According to HuffPost Sports, “Sports help us build strong relationships and foster a sense of unity. Throughout history, we have seen how sports can transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, creating connections that might not have been possible otherwise.”
 
There is a lot of truth in that statement.
 
Sports bring together people from different races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds. Successful teams are built on a common goal, requiring individuals to work together despite their differences in pursuit of victory.
 
For spectators, sports can also break down cultural barriers. International competitions allow fans to celebrate their own teams while learning about the countries and cultures of their competitors. In the process, sports help foster a sense of global community.
 
Sports also teach respect and sportsmanship. Athletes are expected to respect opponents, officials, coaches, and the game itself. Some athletes even use their platforms to advocate for social justice and lend their voices to those who may not otherwise be heard.
 
Soccer is my sports jam.
 
As a season ticket holder for the Portland Thorns, I like to arrive well before kickoff. It gives me an opportunity to witness the community engagement and sportsmanship that often happen before and after the match. Players greet one another, shake hands, and occasionally exchange jerseys—a tradition seen more often in international competition. At the conclusion of the game, they once again acknowledge their opponents, thank the referees, and then walk around the field expressing appreciation to the fans.
 
That always feels like a magical moment to me.
 
Children who participate in organized sports experience lessons in teamwork, respect, diversity, and sportsmanship from an early age. Imagine what our communities might look like if we continued to nurture those same values off the field.
 
I believe we share far more in common than we sometimes realize. Building connections with neighbors, co-workers, and community members takes a little effort, but the rewards can be significant. Not every shared value can be displayed on a jersey, hat, or sports flag displayed in front of a home. Sometimes discovering common ground begins with a simple introduction, a genuine conversation, or an act of curiosity.
 
The magic of sports reminds us that connection is possible. Perhaps if we approached one another with the same openness we bring to cheering for our favorite teams, we might discover a little more shared humanity—and maybe even a little magic.

​#portlandthorns