Note from Publisher. Note from Editor.
I spent the summer in Barcelona several years ago and was immersed in the aroma of soccer. It was everywhere, and it was always a topic of conversation. Visiting the stadium is quite the experience, and being apart of the games is something else. I came back to the US with several jerseys, scarves, and sweatbands. So I guess you could say, I had officially become a fan of FC Barcelona.
Sports bring countries together, unites cultures, and in some cases, establishes an international connection through the mere shared passion of an athlete or team. Every four years it seems the world is reinstated with this notion, and the London 2012 Olympic games reminded us of this.
I have always been fascinated by a sports international impact through the extreme passion and pride people feel for their teams, and the efforts they go through to watch their favorite teams play. I’m not a devout sports fan, but I respect those who are. Those who wake up at four o’clock in the morning to watch a game live, those constantly getting notified on their phone with worldwide sports updates at their fingertips, and those who are continually keeping up-to-date with sports television and radio. Sports are apart of so many of us.
It is a way of life that embodies what we are capable of with continual determination, focus, and drive. This month, Mode-Moderne Journal brings you an inside look at the world of international sport through the eyes of our writers, whether it’s fashion in sport, the worlds wealthiest teams, or an Olympic athlete. We invite you take a leisurely read into the vast and intricate world of international sport.
Roxana Vosough
When the Los Angeles Lakers traded Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard last week, I freaked. I practically fainted. I felt like I’d just won $640 million in the Mega Millions lottery (still bitter about that). Those of you outside of LA probably freaked as well, however, your reaction was probably more of a Tyson/Holyfield type of meltdown. Sports do this to us.
Team USA just brought home Olympic Gold Medals in both men’s and women’s basketball. America nails basketball. But that’s an American thing. Soccer, for instance, has a worldwide fan base and is much more a sport of the world. Basketball isn’t. Baseball isn’t. Somehow fencing is. But sports are what keep healthy competition flowing. It ignites a fire within us: The energy and vivacity of competing, the glory and overwhelming happiness of winning, the crushing disappointment and sorrow of losing. Sports teach us so many life lessons; sharing, teamwork, pushing oneself, and never giving up are just a handful of learning’s.
Watching the Olympics brought so much excitement and unity amongst the world, as we definitely don’t always cheer for our country’s team. We want to see people who have suffered succeed. We want to see incredible athletes win. Because in some cases, it isn’t always the best who comes out on top, and that’s what keeps sports worth cheering for.
Kelly A. Shannon
