Wynne, Aliza, Chloe and I were squished on the couch squeezing each other’s hands, eyes glued to the screen to see if the Michigan Wolverines could finally win a national championship. Our hearts were pounding. When the clock finally ticked zero – a wave of excitement ran through the room.
Rooting for your favorite sports team has an extraordinary power to bring people together, to forge connections, and to create cherished memories.
Whether you’re a fan of the Michigan Wolverines or any other team, the joy of watching your favorite team win with friends and family is a bonding experience.
Shared Passion and Unity
When people come together to support their team, a sense of unity emerges and it’s an opportunity to set aside differences and root for a shared cause. Even total strangers can come together, give high fives and random hugs when the moment is right.
Close games are infectious as they can take an entire city on a rollercoaster of emotions from the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat and everything in between.
Additionally, watching big games with friends and family creates memories that linger for years. They create the moments you relish in and become part of your shared history, adding richness to your relationships.
Sports teams also create family traditions that get passed down through generations. My mom and dad love the Miami Heat. I moved to DC in 1986 before the Heat even existed. Can you guess who my favorite team is? We all had so much fun watching the Heat games during my last visit with them. And don’t get me started on the 1972 Dolphins….still the only undefeated team in the NFL.
In essence, the love for a sports team, be it the Capitals, Commanders, Mystics, or Nationals, it’s a way to connect the past with the present and foster a sense of continuity that transcends the game itself. So, whether you’re gathered around the TV for a championship game or a regular-season match, remember that the true victory lies in the bonds you strengthen with your loved ones through the joy of sports.
Sidebar: Trouble may be brewing! On September 7 of this year my alma mater, The University of Texas, plays Michigan. The truth is, I’ve drunk too much of the Michigan kool aid, (and paid eight years of tuition toward Coach Harbaugh’s salary), so… Go Blue!
