Every four years, the whole world stops to watch international sporting events such as the Olympics and the Football World Cup, where athletes perform at their best to make their countries proud. These sporting occasions have been shown to help ease international tensions during difficult times when powerful leaders attempt to control the world’s economy and governments fight over territory.
The Olympic Games are one of the best examples of how sporting events can bring nations together, at least temporarily. From ancient history, when Greeks and Romans would interrupt battles to participate in the games, to more recent international disputes, where athletes from Palestine and Israel forget their differences, compete peacefully, and even embrace each other after events. Moreover, these popular events have drawn the world’s attention to the terrible consequences of wars, prompting some leaders to reach agreements to end their disputes and live peacefully.
Similarly, international sporting events show benefits in some developing countries experiencing daily internal civil strife. For example, Brazil faces high rates of unemployment, lack of education, hunger, crime, poverty, and corruption, leading to a sense of embarrassment and low self-esteem among its citizens. However, when the Football World Cup begins, the Brazilian squad, considered the best team in the world, inspires a remarkable feeling of national pride. Most people seem to forget their problems, and even criminal activity decreases. They paint roads with national colors, wear Brazilian team shirts, and buy national flags. Moreover, the competition brings families and neighbors together, and even rival gangs watch the games and celebrate peacefully.
In conclusion, popular sporting events play an important role in decreasing international tensions and fostering patriotic feelings, as history has shown.
IELTS Writing Task 2
Sports and Pastimes