Sports has a unique way of bringing people together when people need healing. Whether, it is during a pandemic, or it is after a country has experienced a number of terrorist attacks. The World just seems to become more united by Sports. Take the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics into consideration. After the country of France was a target for a number of terrorist attacks from 2015 to 2016, the World came to unite for the Olympics. After the attack on Nice, France, during the Bastille Day celebration on July 14, 2016, the World just appeared to come together and rally behind France. Just when everyone needed a moment of hope and some saw light at the end of the tunnel. The Olympics were right around the corner, and the hope was to bring some much needed joy to a nation that was in dire need of such. It was also the first Olympics that Kosovo and South Sudan were supposed to compete in, and it was also the Summer of the Refugee Olympic Team.
No one could have predicted that Nice, France would be attacked on a day of celebration. The World was scheduled to come together for the Olympics in August. More importantly, the games could not have come at a better time, as this was just what the World needed. Sports united the country of France, sports allowed the nation of France to heal, and sports united the World. People were mourning those lost in the attack, and were standing with the people of France. With 205 Olympic Committees, and over 11,000 athletes, people were all together in a time of sorrow and a new beginning.
College football was even played during a similar situation that the World is in today. With the First World War still in full effect in 1918, the next thing to happen to the World was an influenza outbreak which has been called the Spanish flu. Hailing from Spain, and killing more than 3-5 percent of the World population. The virus killed mainly young healthy adults. It forced most of the college football games that were scheduled to be cancelled. President Woodrow Wilson was on board with American soldiers to play in games, since they had world class training for the war. With the sadness of a deadly virus around the World, the world came together by sports. It was a moment, I’m sure a lot of people didn’t know they needed at the time.
Another moment when sports united people was following the mass shooting in Las Vegas at a music festival on October 1, 2017. With the Las Vegas Golden Knights kicking off their inaugural season in Dallas, Texas against the Dallas Stars, not only did the country come together, but the NHL did, as well. Just five days after the attack, the Stars and Golden Knights battled each other in a game that was filled with much emotion for both the players and fans. With it being the Dallas Stars home opener and the Golden Knights clubs first game, it was one to remember. During the national anthem, and moment of silence for the victims, the Stars stood behind the Golden Knights to honor the city and the victims. In addition, the Stars showed solidarity, and that they were in this together. In the end, the Golden Knights took home the victory with a 2-1 score.
With the outbreak of Covid-19 forcing most leagues to suspend their season’s, or even cancel some for that matter. The World could use some sports right now more than ever. While it is a risk, we (As people) are lucky that technology has advanced from 102 years ago. Sports are one of the many things that bring people together for the better. So, I like most of you look forward to the Re-opening of not only the NHL, but also the NBA, as well, it’s something the World needs for healing purposes at this time. Racism should not exist in this World, and most are hurting for good reason. Let the World of sports unite people together, let the World of sports give a sense of healing to those that are hurting. Prayers and thoughts go out to those that are suffering, hopefully better days are ahead.
