El Mundo Sports

The idea of watching a rugby match in France never really crossed my mind until my friends mentioned there’s a really good team in Paris. And they wear pink. “Come again?” I said with a bewildered look on my face. My friend exclaims that a very eccentric man bought the team – known as Stade Français - and he loves the color pink. So, what does he do? He buys the players dark blue uniforms with pink flowers embroidered all over them to wear when they play at home, and pink kits to wear when they travel. In addition, he painted the goalposts at each end of the field pink, making it look more like a spring meadow from a fairytale than a rugby pitch. Interesting to say the least.

With a friend in the States that’s an avid rugby player, I have recently made the effort to learn the game. The rules are pretty simple – with the exception of a few – and the goal is to score more points thanyour opponent via try’s, conversions, drop goals, and penalty kicks. Players can’t throw the ball forward, so ground can only be gained by running with the ball or kicking it. Other than that, it’s really just a bunch of barbarians running into each other, screaming their heads off to intimidate their opponents. Does it work? Especially when one team is wearing sky blue jerseys and the other pink?

I had to find out!

There’s always that initial moment right before walking into a stadium that brings chills to my skin. Especially when I’m about to experience something so incredibly different from the sports I grew up watching and playing in the States. A few weeks ago, I was in Barcelona, and went to a Barcelona FC (vs Espanyol) soccer match at Camp Nou. I remember vividly the moment walking into the stadium. I knew I was at a soccer Mecca and could feel the history upon entrance. This was a little different.

As the players ran out onto the field - pink flower embroidered jerseys and all - I couldn’t help but wonder how they felt dawning such a rare (and often considered feminine) color while playing one of toughest sports in the world. To them, it didn’t seem to matter. It was almost as if they thrived on it.

The venue was small and intimate, sort of like an Ivy League stadium for American football in the States. With chants in French, that I couldn’t understand, the crowd cheered every move by their beloved flower bearers. Stade Français was playing a lesser opponent - Bourgeon – and it was evident from the beginning. Stade’s defense stifled Bourgeon’s offense, not letting them even close to the try line. Each time Stade got the ball back, it seemed as though the opponents were on their heels and couldn’t handle the pressure, cracking so often it became comical.

An interesting side note: Normally in sports during time outs, trainers run out onto the field to give the players water and/or a sports drink to keep them hydrated. At this game, a cleverly painted – pink of course – remote control monster truck was driven onto the field to give the players water. I must say, the guy controlling the car has probably the best job in the world. Ok maybe besides a professional punter in the NFL, solely because he probably makes more money. How do you sign up to a professional remote control car driver for a rugby team in France? Do they have tryouts? How much does he get paid? Hhhmmm…so many important questions.

OK, back to reality. My mind likes to wonder sometimes, and I have to let it do its thing.

As in all sports around the world, fans dawn the team colors and wave flags in support of their brave warriors. The fans of Stade Français, decked out in pink, were no different. Kids wore pink scarves, parent’s sported pink hats with three lightning bolts (official symbol of the team), and even older patrons came to the game with pink shirts in a show of support.

No matter where I go in this big world, whenever I attend a sporting event, there’s always a common theme. Fans always show support in the best way they know how. Even though we may speak different languages, sport different cultures, and live different lives, we always show up with our cheering hats on.

From that perspective, I guess we all wear pink.

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The world sport has always been soccer even though in America we consider it the fourth or fifth most popular one. All over the world, the beautiful game takes center stage. Work stops, shops close, and families get together to watch their national pastime. It’s an experience for loved ones, friends, and new acquaintances alike to get together and enjoy what most consider the most recognized sport in the world.

During the Olympics in Beijing, I realized how popular other sports are becoming on the international scene. It seemed as if people were captivated by swimming, track & field, and other lesser known sports. But one stood out to me as a new world passion. That sport? Basketball.

It was amazing to watch China, Spain, and other countries battle with dazzling skills that I thought only were displayed in the NBA. It brought the game to a new level for me after the realization that the rest of the planet has caught on. One commentator even described it as “the new national game of China.” I’m sure the emergence of Yao Ming has brought the game to national prominence.

My thoughts on this subject were confirmed when I went to the Women’s World All Star Game in Paris, as the world’s stars threw no-look passes, drove the lane, and pulled off Alan Iverson-like cross-overs that would have made the man himself proud. With the likes of Alana Beard, Candice Dupree, and Sylvia Fowles in the line-up, the game had all the flare of the WNBA. And then some.

During every time-out – and there were plenty – a group of high-flying, trampoline using slam jammers strutted their stuff for the crowd’s entertainment. Performing flips, reverse dunks, and off the backboard slams, the guys had even the players themselves clapping.

Many fans showed up for the event, which included stars from all over the world. Players who ply their trade in Russia, Sweden, United States, and other countries participated in a fun-for-all that included a 3-point competitions and an in-game dunk by my hometown girl, Sylvia Fowles. That might have been the highlight of the game! The crowd went nuts, the DJ rapped in French, and everyone gave her a high-five, including the opposing team.

Although the World team lost to Europe by more they should have, seeing basketball catching on in the rest of world is as surprising as the rise of the beautiful game in America. But hey, anything can happen in this modern age of sports, and it often does.

I guess it shows that with our cultural and political differences, the world can come together and enjoy a special moment together.

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