Firstly, I would like to start by saying that though this article is addressed to the girls, it is to be received by all, especially those of you who find sports to be a drag. Lemme tell y’all something. Get close.. Closer…not too close; I don’t need to smell you, but I do need your attention because this is a serious matter.
Sports. Athletic endeavors that are to be enjoyed by all ages and all backgrounds. They bring the world together, and I know you all know what I am talking about because you have seen it. Whether you are a die-hard fan who tunes in every week or an every-four-years watcher when the World Cup or Olympics rolls around. Having pride in a team, a country, or a specific athlete brings another type of togetherness. There is something about a shared victory, or even a loss, filled with high emotion and high energy that truly can not be found in any other activity.
Not picking up what I’m putting down? That’s fine because the benefits of keeping up with one or more sports extend far beyond game day eats and watch parties. Imagine you are at a new job, a new town, or (since you’re so adventurous) a new country. You know no one but yourself. Desperate for a connection, you look around and see something familiar, a sports jersey. American football? Soccer? Ahhhh, it’s basketball. They aren’t reping your favorite team, but that does not matter because all you need is a way to make an intro. You walk up with confidence, ready to say a little “I respect the jersey, but I am more of a Grizzlies fan myself,” then BOOMMMM!!!! Chuckles are had, names are shared, and now you know someone new. All it took was a little bit of ball knowledge to open the door.
Though my narration was a bit dramatized, this is exactly how life is as a sports fan. You genuinely unlock a new avenue of connection-making because if there’s one thing that exists in almost every place, it is somebody whose perfect day would consist of watching a live match.
Because of my compelling arguments, I know you are willing to give sports a try, so here is my unsolicited advice. Once you pick a favorite team, or as I like to say, once your team picks you, own it!!! The fun part about being a fan is always standing on business. You stick beside your team in its highs, its lows, its “we need a new manager ASAP no Rocky”, its “why do we even have this player again?”, and everything in between because ain’t no conversation sweeter than one between two people who are together in the decline or rise of their mutually supported team.
Next watch party is at yours!
XOXO, your fav <3