Sports bring people together, no matter what their nationality or background. The World Cup is a prime example of sports uniting people around the world. Football is a global sport that everyone understands, players follow the same rules, and fans come from all walks of life and cultures. In fact, football brought together nations that were at war on Christmas Day 1914, which shows how important sports are in uniting different cultures.
As the UN General Assembly emphasized in its Resolution 2117, “Sports is a universal language that can bring people together and help build a more peaceful world.” As such, the United Nations has a special office for sports development within its State Department. This office is responsible for working at the grassroots level to help foreign youth understand the importance of sports and how to engage in them. The success of athletics can translate into success in the classroom, so it is important that sport is used to unite communities and cultures.
Sport can bring communities together by promoting healthy habits and creating friendships between people. According to Joe Humphrey, sport can create bonds between people who share the same passion for the same sport. As a result, it can be an important catalyst for positive change. Sports can inspire people to develop social responsibility, build communities, and contribute to education and peace. This is particularly relevant in developing countries. The UN created the International Day of Sport for Peace and Development in 2002 to celebrate this role of sport.
While sports have the potential to polarize cultures, it is also a way for people to express their emotions. Incite passion, happiness, and sadness. When people share a passion for a sports team, they feel a community’s energy. Whether it’s hockey, basketball, or soccer, sports bring people together for many different reasons. For many, sports are an escape from the mundane routines of everyday life.
Sport has a universal language. People from different communities and nations can communicate and enjoy one another’s company. This ability to connect is a valuable aspect for international business. The same can be said for international sporting events. Sport transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. People from different countries can cheer for their team or cheer for a favorite player. If you want to make connections with people in other countries, sport is the way to go.
As the world grows increasingly global, so do sports organizations. In fact, the NBA, the NFL, and the National Football League have all done their part to bring communities closer together. The NBA created a social justice coalition, which includes players, coaches, and even governors. Players and staffers wear custom social justice statements and collaborate with local election officials. In addition, the NBA and NBPA committed $300 million to social programs over 10 years.
Major international sports events can break down the walls of non-communication and create a sense of shared experience. 3.2 billion people watched the World Cup in 2014 alone. This is a testament to the power of sport to unite communities and cultures. Further, the UN also relies on celebrities and prominent figures to promote its work. There are many other ways that sports can unite communities and cultures. So what is it about sport?
