From Skeptic to Believer: Why Sports Matter More Than Ever
I have never been what you would call a sporty person. My coordination leaves much to be desired, my athletic aim is notoriously unreliable, and I have a deep-seated aversion to excessive perspiration. If you ever witness me running, you can safely assume I am fleeing from something rather than pursuing fitness.
A Change of Heart Through Parenting
For many years, I dismissed professional sports with a skeptical eye. The entire industry appeared to channel incomprehensible sums of money into what I perceived as glorified children's games. I was not inactive—I enjoy hiking, swimming, and walking my dogs—but I viewed the world of professional athletes as a wasteful and somewhat ridiculous spectacle.
However, raising two teenage sons has fundamentally shifted my perspective. Beyond the obvious health benefits, teamwork, and enjoyment, I have come to understand that sports impart a crucial lesson that today's youth urgently require: the ability to take risks.
Teaching Risk in a Risk-Averse World
As someone from the cusp of Generation X and Millennials, I observe a stark contrast between my own upbringing and the experiences of Generation Z and Alpha. So much of their existence unfolds behind screens, where social interactions come with safety nets like undo buttons and deleted comments. Sports offer no such edit function.
Consider the immense pressure of standing at the free-throw line with the game on the line. Every eye in the arena is fixed on you. Sinking the shot delivers an unparalleled rush; missing it becomes a profound lesson in maintaining confidence despite failure. If young people do not learn to put themselves in vulnerable positions, to feel the sting of rejection or the heat of embarrassment and understand that these feelings are temporary, they risk becoming paralyzed by fear later in life. Whether applying for a dream job or mustering the courage to ask someone out, they need to internalize that life continues, win or lose.
Building Bridges and Finding Common Ground
Sports also provide rare common ground in an increasingly fragmented society. They give us something to discuss, cheer for, and even debate in good spirits. I have begun to appreciate the mental respite they offer from the weighty realities of our world—the simple joy of following favorite players and bonding with others over a referee's questionable call. This represents genuine quality time with family, friends, and neighbors.
In Alberta, we pride ourselves on fierce independence, yet nothing unites communities quite like a high-stakes game. Whether it's the electric excitement of an Edmonton Oilers or Calgary Flames playoff run, or a young athlete from a small-town Alberta community reaching the world stage, these moments powerfully remind us that we are all part of a larger team.
The Unifying Power of Global Competition
Global events like the Olympic Games demonstrate that while national borders may shape our allegiances, they do not prevent us from collectively celebrating human excellence. There is a palpable, uniquely Canadian pride that feels wonderful to share, but the Olympic spirit also teaches an actionable lesson: supporting our own athletes does not require opposing everyone else. We can be wholeheartedly proud of Canadian competitors while still marveling at a breathtaking performance from an athlete on the other side of the world. It is about respecting dedication and tenacity, regardless of the uniform worn.
In a world that frequently emphasizes our differences, sports give us compelling reasons to remember our shared humanity and that not everything needs to be taken with utmost seriousness. There is something deeply emotional and unifying about seeing the Canadian flag on a jersey and realizing that from coast to coast to coast, we are all holding our breath in unison at the exact same moment.
