The Power of Sports

Power:  noun

pow·er /ˈpou(ə)r/

Definition of Power:  the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.

I don’t know if it can be pin pointed. Or if there is one exact moment that stands out over others. Maybe it’s the adrenaline pumping through your bloodstream moments before the start of a big game. Maybe it’s the electrifying feeling of a buzzing stadium with thousands of people coming together to show support for their team. Maybe it’s the life lessons you learn, the triumphs and challenges you encounter, or the friendships you make along the way as you are an athlete. The thing is, there’s no denying it. This impassioned presence that is sports. The force and the power that it holds is almost unfathomable.

There is this innate platform sports provide; hoisting the capability to bring people and communities together. It possesses a special ability to transcend barriers, as sports know no gender, race, ethnicity, language, religion, or socioeconomic status.  Not to mention, the ability to impact lives.

For individuals who participate in athletics; sports hold the power and aptitude to foster leadership, character development, and teach life lessons that last long after the final whistle is blown.

Trying to articulate the power of sports is a challenging task.  I’m not certain if there will ever be enough words to accurately describe the power sports truly hold. However, I think this quote definitely scratches the surface of what sports has the ability to do and the power it possesses:

“Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to untie people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sports can create hope where once there was only despair.”- Nelson Mandela

Kailey Paszko, Youth Program Specialist at ULEAD