How In Divisive Times, Sports Can Be The Great Unifier

In a very politically and socially divided world, there are a lot of things we may perceive as ideas and mechanisms that separate us from others. But every once in a while, something breaks through that separation and pulls us together as families, communities, nations and perhaps even the world as a whole. On very special occasions, sports can have that power.

I've noticed it a few time recently and have to say, for as fleeting as it may be, the unity is a wonderful thing to see.

A couple of months ago, the winter Olympics in Milan Cortina culminated with a classic hockey game for gold between the strong but underdog United States men's team against the heavy favorites and pioneers of the sport itself, Canada. When the Americans took home gold after a hard-fought 2-1 win in overtime, it was the first time since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" crew.

While a small but very vocal segments of the country and media talking heads had some criticism for the team for various reasons, one of which included an invite to the White House and State of The Union Address, the vast majority of Americans felt pride and joy. People came together in celebrating regardless of age, gender, race or any other factor. Any it was truly wonderful.

More recently, two major sporting stories took shape on opposite coasts of the US. One in Los Angles and one in New York.

In the very troubled and fractured city of LA, the United States played their first game of this year's FIFA World Cup Soccer event. The victory over Paraguay was one for the record books as the Americans racked up a 4-1 win. The four goals where the most scored in a single World Cup game by Team USA in their history. And if you tuned in to the broadcast, you'd notice the collective support for the team, and by proxy our nation, was simply and totally undeniable.

Just last night in another troubled mecca that is New York City, people celebrated the New York Knicks first NBA Championship in more than half a century.

During the series, many who where visiting New York and many residents reported an offered stories of a drastic change in the feel around town. People where said to be being kinder, less confrontational and just in a better mood overall. People who might not normally even give the other a second glance had become conversational partners on the street and in the office. In short, it made New York a better place, even if only for a fleeting moment in time.

Last but certainly not least here, a largely unheralded college baseball team from one of the smallest and most overlooked states in the union has brought people together. From those who have never even stepped on the soil in the state of West Virginia to lifelong residents, the West Virginia University Mountaineers have captured the imagination and hearts of the masses from coast to coast.

After winning games in the Morgantown Super Regional, the team came together to sing the classic John Denver love song to the state "Take Me Home Country Roads" which has become a viral sensation. The team, with athletes from all over and of all different backgrounds and ethnicities, joined in as one and the world loved them for it.

While it remains to be seen how they will fair in the College World Series, the videos from this serenade of the crowd have brought a tear to the eye of even the most manly of men like ESPN personality and WVU alum Pat McAfee.

All of the examples and so many more over the years have proven the power of sport when it comes to the ability to unify people. And not just like minded people but people from all walks of life with all sort of experiences. And as fleeting as these glorious moments may be, for just that brief period in time, we collectively become the best of what we can be.