As I watch the Olympic Games from my couch, I really wish I could be watching them in Vancouver. There’s just something different about being there in person. Although I can’t watch the Olympic hockey team in person, this weekend I had the opportunity to attend my first hockey game.
It was a high profile game for Roseville area colleges. In a match between rivals nearly as big as the 1980 USA and Russia hockey teams, Northwestern faced Bethel. Unlike the 1980 game, the underdog unfortunately didn’t win. Although Northwestern lost, it was an exciting game, with a last second shot that could have tied the game. There were many people there to support the Northwestern Eagles, and it was fun to see the school spirit.
Sports are a funny thing. Although most fans don’t know any of the players, they feel a close connection to them and their efforts because they are on the same “team.” I think people love the Olympics and sports in general because it brings such different people together for a common goal. We can put aside labels of Republican and Democrat, Protestant or Catholic, Viking or Packer, and simply be American. Even at the local level of an intramural college hockey game or the global level of the Olympic Games, sports bridge differences and bring people together. Not even the United Nations can bring about the global cooperation bobsleds and figure skates accomplish every four years. Some may say sports are a result of our innate selfish pride and cause division. I choose to see the opposite, and whatever the reason for sports, I think it’s a good thing.
The Spirit of the Olympics February 21, 2010
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Hockey games are a lot of fun! And I totally agree with what you said about the Olympics being special. I wish I were in Vancouver too… there is something about that competitive atmosphere that is just contagious even through the TV. Great post!