When I look back at my childhood, one of the first things that pops into my head is sports, specifically the Eagles’ 2017 season where they went on to win the Super Bowl. I remember watching all those games with my dad, either jumping up for joy if they scored or yelling at the TV if they messed up.
I remember watching the Eagles’ first playoff game that season where they played the Atlanta Falcons. The game came down to a 4th and goal, and the Eagles were on defense. My dad and I held hands, kneeled in front of the TV, and hoped for the best.
I remember the joy I felt when the Eagles won that game, jumping up and down with tears of joy streaming down my face. I remember hugging my dad and knowing that I would remember not just the game, but the moment forever.
I believe that sports are something truly valuable and are more than just a “game.” Sports can create new bonds and strengthen connections with friends or family. The way people who are not connected at all but share a common love for a sports team can go on to become friends or just be able to connect with them through the game.
Since the involvement of streaming services and widespread broadcasts, sports are able to be watched by people all over the world. In 2023, nearly 70% of Americans watched live sports. Sports are a form of entertainment for people to enjoy and bond over.
The fact of the matter is that it’s opinion and experience-based. For me, I have had positive experiences with my family and friends that are surrounded by sports, and learned that is more valuable than just the sport itself.
The sport is what brings us together and strengthens the bond. But, for someone who hasn’t been connected to sports in that manner or who might have negative experiences connected to sports, then they might have a different outlook on it.
Sports has strengthened my existing connections and has also created new ones. I will always keep watching sports, with the ones I care about, as something very dear to me. I think that everyone should be open to experiencing it, and I believe that people shouldn’t judge those who take sports seriously because they might have a personal connection with it. That is why it is personal, because it is more than just a “game.”
