We have always thought that sports was the great unifier. Nelson Mandela famously said, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.” He also highlighted its ability to speak to youth in a language they understand.
Mandela often spoke about the unifying and transformative potential of sports. He believed that sports could transcend cultural and social barriers, fostering understanding and bringing people together. He witnessed this firsthand in his own country, South Africa, particularly during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks’ victory helped unite a nation grappling with the aftermath of apartheid.
While his words still hold both value and hope, the potential weaponizing of the FIFA Club World Cup strating this weekend, where ICE and background checks may drive people both away and cause scenes not witnessed at communal sporting events, have caused many to wonder if sports events on a global scale, at least in America today, may not have that unifying effect that had been hoped for, and what will that mean for the coming World Cup and The 2028 Olympics.
First, I think we need to heed Manela’s words and aspirt higher. His words should be reminding us of the profound impact that sports can have on individuals and communities, promoting hope and inspiring positive change. Sport can also be the simplist of unifiers, just by playing a simple game of catch, or by kicking a balla round, something we can all understand and can even provide a common calming bond.
Last year at this time I read an amazing piece in the New York Times by Jessica Shattuck, about of all things, playing catch, and how this simplest of acts connected her with her son in times when there was sometimes a void between them, She was not a helicopter parent or a sports fanatic, she didn’t know a lot abut the game, but the simplicity of throwing a ball was a touchstone for her. You can read the piece here. It reminded me of a few years ago on Sunday morning as I was going to get bagels I heard New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan on “Ed Randall’s Talking Baseball” show on WFAN in New York talking about how the simplest of actions with his father, playing catch after work, were some of his brightest memories. Often times in big time sports and promotions it is the simple ideas that get lost as not glitzy or glammery enough, but with the right platform, can be the most effective. Dolan’s thoughts that morning spurred one of those ideas.
A simple act connects fans of all ages in a communal and promotable activity that links young and old, boy and girl, dad and son, mom and daughter. Timeless, simple, easy. We always see football being passed around parking lots during tailgating, and this coming weekend MLB and its affiliated clubs, as well as Little League organizations and USA Baseball, will be hosting Play Ball Weekend as a way t get everyone moving into the summer. Click here for all the details.
The Times story served as a great reminder on how these little things we do helps to ease the anxiety, get kids active and less antsy, and provide a release for all as we work through these challenging times. We are always tested, but when we are we can look inward and see the brightness on the darkest days we can harken back to the easiest acts, and isn’t one of those just throwing a ball around with someone? Have hope, and find the time to still enjoy the little things that get lost in our very busy lives, and maybe take advantage of some events this weekend. It will bring you closer together in the easiest of ways, be it watching, attending or playing.
My hope is that things go off without a hitch this weekend, and in a few weeks we are buoyed by the joy of the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Finals, the NWSL, the WNBA, the Club World Cup and all the little things that bring joy and transcend borders for sport.
We need it now more than ever, go throw or kick the ball around, it will bring a smile.
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