Sports are loved by people the world over and are great common ground to begin from to build stronger relationships. It would be amazing, if in efforts to acquire the allusive world peace, world leaders could take a page from athletes and have some understanding of the good that their competitors are trying to achieve and be mutually supportive. Resources are scarce but innovation can overcome many challenges and disagreements on how to control the world really shouldn’t cost such dear blood. But I digress, please allow me to revert to a brief discussion on sport.

I am a mere observer and student of the world and a sociologist at heart, albeit still untrained but I love the outdoors. I love to hike, I love mountain biking, I love camping, kayaking and rafting, triathlon, and watching competition in some of these events. In the military, I saw wonderful terrain in areas that screamed to me for adventure. “Come ride your bike here!” screamed the deserted hills of northern Afghanistan. I proposed an armed Cannonball Run type event for the stout of heart but didn’t have any takers. I saw a beautiful valley in North Korea that said the same thing. I think such isolated nations do not realize the tourist gold mine that they are sitting on if only they were willing to open their doors.

As I thought on this topic some years ago I was very ecstatic to discover Shannon Galpin mountain biked in Afghanistan and was working with an Afghan cycling team. Not just any team either, a WOMEN’s team. It seemed to me amazing that this existed at the time but it was inspiring to me. What courage those women had to have to do this in Afghanistan. I’m a Christian and believe in the Bible that tells us we are to have joy in life. I’m also a believer that mankind should indeed have the right to pursue happiness according to the dictates of his or her heart. Practicing sports, whether team, competitive, or individual, so often brings so much joy into the human heart. People in England play Cricket, Baseball in America, Fútbol (soccer) in Mexico, Taekwondo in Korea, Table Tennis in China, and Hockey in Canada.

Before any world-changing decisions are made between nations, world leaders ought to play some sports together or get to know the bond that can be created between international athletes through competition or mere joint participation and cooperation. I know that after a day of rock climbing or mountain biking with someone I come to know and understand them a bit better than I did before. Just because John needs an electric bike to keep up with me on the up-hills doesn’t mean that I won’t go out with him, after all, he may be the only available ride for me to get to the trail. Can’t nations see each other in the same light and get along a little better.

I certainly know that global politics really aren’t that simple, but I sure do love watching adventurers travel the world on amazing adventures of sport. They don’t mean nor cause harm as they go (from what I’ve seen), but they sure do inspire and bring love in my heart for the people of where they visit. So how about we do some sports together, get to know each other a little better, and realize that all of us in the world really aren’t that much different and we all could use a little help from time to time. -RO