For many, sports are more than just a pastime. Whether you’re watching or playing, sports bring people together, inspire them, and build bonds. They unite communities and are a big part of many people’s lives.
October 16 is recognized as National Sports Day, a celebration of the many ways sports impact individuals and communities. The day highlights athletes, families, and fans coming together to enjoy and appreciate all kinds of sports. First established in 2019, the national day calendar officially recognized the annual observance of this day.
Human Rights Activist Nelson Mandela once said, “Sports have the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.”
The same spirit applies to the Foran community, where students shared their own experiences and memories shaped by sports.
Athletic Director Mr. Jeffery Raucci states, “Sports can be so beneficial to students to teach them how to work as a team, discipline, and build a strong work ethic.”
No matter if you play sports or watch them, everyone has created memories and moments of excitement. Sports also foster friendships and help with personal growth. In the end, sports unite people and show teamwork and community.
Freshman Aldo Mannino says, “Sports to me mean a game inside of its own game, with the lessons you learn and the trouble you go through.” One of his favorite memories is hitting his first home run on Mother’s Day, a moment that brought him and his family together to celebrate. Mannino credits his dad for helping him develop his love for sports, calling him his biggest influence.
Senior Michael Doyle shares a similar appreciation for how sports connect people: “Sports to me are a great way to make connections with all sorts of people with all different backgrounds, whether that be playing sports or watching them.”
Although Doyle has countless memories connected to sports, one in particular stands out. “I remember the Mets’ 2015 World Series run pretty well, especially the moment where they clinched the NL pennant. Although [they] didn’t win, it was significant because it was my first real memory of sports success.”
For many people, the feeling of connection and community is what makes sports so meaningful. Raucci touches on the connection that the sports community has. “Some of my closest friendships that still exist today came from the football field and the basketball court and growing up with these people.”
No matter if you play sports or watch them, everyone has created moments of excitement. Sports create and build friendships, teach life lessons, and bring people together. Proving they’re more than just a game or form of entertainment.
