Discovering the Hidden Value of Sports: More Than Just Games
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The Essence of Connection in Sports
Growing up in Florida, I was immersed in water activities. The scent of chlorine takes me back, and the feeling of being submerged is second nature to me. Swim lessons were a given, and joining the swim team felt like a natural progression.
Swimming laps offers a unique opportunity for reflection. With little else to focus on, my mind often drifted. I’d feel the water rushing past and the sound of bubbles surrounding me, leading me to ponder, "What’s the purpose of going back and forth endlessly?"
While I recognized this was training, it often struck me as absurd—like an endless loop. If I were swimming to escape a situation, that made sense. But simply repeating the motion felt pointless.
This sentiment isn’t exclusive to swimming. In basketball, players bounce a ball down the court, shooting it through a hoop only to repeat the process. Golf involves walking for hours, occasionally hitting a ball with a club—what’s the point? Just to tally up scores and boast to friends?
Indeed, that’s part of the experience. Beyond the noise and excitement of a game in a bar, sports cultivate human connections that enrich our lives.
The Philosophical Roots of Shared Activities
Aristotle discussed various forms of philia, one of the four Greek words for love, in his work Nicomachean Ethics. He categorized friendship based on different levels. The first level is transactional, like my relationship with my handyman. The second involves mutual satisfaction. The highest form emerges from a shared commitment to a virtuous life or common interests.
This top tier can manifest through a mutual love for an activity, fostering profound friendships and even healing.
Despite my complaints about swimming, some of my closest friendships blossomed on the pool deck. The shared challenges of the sport created bonds that only those involved could fully appreciate.
Interestingly, you don’t need to actively participate in a sport to reap its benefits. Research led by psychologist Dr. Daniel L. Wann revealed that identifying with a sports team can significantly enhance well-being and fulfill the need for belonging.
For instance, my brother-in-law is an avid LA Dodgers fan. He often wears a Dodgers cap and knows the team’s history inside and out. After his parents separated, his mother married a doctor who was also a passionate Dodgers supporter. This common interest helped ease his transition into a new family dynamic.
His stepfather secured great seats for games, and their shared enthusiasm laid the foundation for a strong relationship. They appear as a loving father-son duo—and that’s exactly what they are.
Next time you see someone passionately reacting to a game or spending a significant portion of their income on season tickets, remember that these pursuits hold deep meaning and could offer similar value for you.
Research by Dr. Bruno S. Frey investigated the connection between sports and happiness. On a scale of 10, active sports enthusiasts rated their happiness at 7.442, while non-active individuals rated it at 6.868. This includes mere spectators.
These activities can be particularly beneficial for those with demanding careers and personal lives. Engaging in sports allows you to escape from everyday worries and focus on the moment, creating a psychological refuge while connecting with others.
My father experiences a similar sense of joy through surfing:
The thrill of riding waves and mastering new tricks brings him immense happiness, especially when shared with fellow surfers.
Converting the Skeptics
I know many who would rather avoid sports entirely. However, this principle applies to various activities.
Recently, my partner Laura and I played board games with some new neighbors. I was reluctant at first, feeling introverted and unmotivated. Yet, once there, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the evening, playing engaging games with a lively group. We still reminisce about that night and plan to do it again.
This illustrates a key point: the perceived triviality of an activity can foster genuine human connections.
A group of men formed the Mulhuddart Men’s Shed, bonding over woodworking projects like birdhouses and benches. They share tools and advice, and report significant satisfaction from this once solitary hobby that has transformed into a collaborative venture.
Rethinking Cynicism Towards Sports
I used to mock older men analyzing football games in hotel lobbies, wondering if they’d ever thrown a football themselves. In reality, they were engaging in exactly what was intended—discussing the game, watching together, and debating strategies. This is akin to woodworking enthusiasts troubleshooting a project together.
As Aristotle emphasized the power of shared interests, we should pay attention to those around us and what they love. Consider whether these interests might resonate with you, evolving into meaningful activities that foster connections.
In our Medium community, I’ve noticed a trend toward introversion, with many not being avid sports fans, which is why I felt compelled to write about this topic. I encourage you to step beyond your comfort zone and try something new, whether it’s a hobby, craft, or a sport that your partner enjoys.
My partner has a passion for horse riding (specifically jumping) and can watch horses navigate obstacles for hours. While I’m not naturally inclined toward this sport, I’ve learned enough to appreciate it without discomfort. I do this not out of obligation, but to share in an experience that strengthens our bond.
Embrace the potential for connection through sports or activities. They may seem trivial or nonsensical, but often, therein lies their true significance.
The first video, "Professional Sports are DUMB | Fight Me On This," explores the critical perspective on professional sports, arguing that their value lies in the community and relationships they foster.
In "The Truth About Watching Sports," the speaker delves into the deeper psychological impacts of being a sports fan and how it shapes our connections with others.