“Sports has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.”
—Nelson Mandela, social activist and former President of South Africa

If the television ads are to be believed, my wife and I are the only two people in the world not watching the World Cup. I’ve got nothing against soccer, I just didn’t grow up with it. When I was young, if I heard the word “soccer,” I interpreted it as meaning to punch the arm of the girl who sat in front of me in school. You know: the one who made straight A’s and always broke the curve.

But there’s no denying the fact that people around the world are watching the World Cup and displaying their national colors and their civic pride for their respective countries. And I love it.

One can downplay the importance of sports until the proverbial cows come home, but there’s no denying they capture our attention in a vicarious and pleasurable way few other things can accomplish.

Witness the recent NBA champion New York Knicks. That team got on a run and blistered their way to a title for the first time in fifty-three years. Did you see the reaction of New York City citizens? A city that markets itself as a melting pot finally acted like one. Young or old, rich or poor, Democrat or Republican, black or white—none of it mattered. There was dancing in the streets . . . literally! A shared sense of pride.

Do you remember the 1980 U.S. men’s hockey team’s defeat of Russia to win the gold medal? Even those of us who thought “icing” only referred to something on cakes celebrated that feat. I suspect that since that win, not one of those teammates has ever gone into a bar and paid for his drink.

Say it’s just a game or consider it silly that grownups are playing kids’ games. Advocate for the far greater importance of academic pursuit if you will (and I would), but ask yourself this: Who will be remembered longer by their classmates, Fernando Mendoza, who quarterbacked Indiana to their national football championship, or the student who graduated number one at the university? I’m not saying that’s right, it’s just the way it is.

Of course, the “elephant in the room” is the parent who places way too much emphasis on his or her child’s athletic accomplishments, sometimes at the exclusion of other activities that make for a well-rounded child. But that’s a hot topic for another day.

More importantly, and perhaps a more cogent argument, is the fact that sports are a metaphor for life. Consider the following quotes:

• “Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you do repeatedly.”—Shaquille O’Neal

• “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”—Michael Jordan

• “Champions keep playing until they get it right.”—Billie Jean King

• “You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.”—Wayne Gretzky

Notice how easy it is to apply these quotes to non-athletic events. These well-known athletes have all gone on to success outside of sports. I suspect they’ve used the same principles in their business endeavors that they did on the court or ice. Sports teach us the importance of preparation, and then teach us to win graciously and lose honorably. That alone argues for their importance, for we all win some, but lose even more often, in life.

So, when you don the red, white, and blue, tune in to the Cup, and chant, “USA, USA, USA,” do so with excitement, anticipation, and pride. Enjoy the games and the U.S.’s run.

Heck, I might even sneak a peak!