How Different Countries Celebrate and Participate in Athletic Competition
Athletic competitions are a much-loved aspect of many cultures around the world, and the way different countries celebrate and participate varies greatly from one another. From the iconic Olympic Games to niche athletics events, this article will explore the various methods of participation and celebration employed by different countries for these sporting events.
A Brief History of Athletics Competitions
Athletic competitions have been recorded since 776 BC, where the first Olympic Games took place in Olympia, Greece. Since then, many different annual and biennial events have become popular around the world, including some of the most renowned sporting events on the planet like the World Cup, the Paralympics, and the Tour de France.
Each of these events is celebrated in a unique way by the countries involved, but they all share the same spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie. This means that the way one nation celebrates athletics competitions versus another will be vastly different, as different cultures have developed various customs over the centuries.
How the USA Celebrates and Participates in Athletics Competitions
The United States is home to some of the world’s most iconic sporting events, so it’s no wonder that the way this country celebrates and participates in athletics competitions has become a benchmark for how other nations celebrate.
The USA’s approach to athletics events usually begins with a National Anthem. Before the competition starts, all participants and spectators in the stadium will stand for a rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Americans also show their support for their country by wearing its iconic new designs, as well as chanting and singing along to the anthem and other American-themed music. Other forms of participation include flying the flag during major events like the Olympics, and even creating new sports-related traditions like drinking beer and eating hot dogs while watching the event.
Athletic Competitions Around the World
Europe
In Europe, some of the most beloved athletic competitions are the various soccer tournaments held throughout the year, such as the Champions League and UEFA Euro. Supporters of their respective nation’s team will often don the region’s colours and fly flags to show their support.
In addition to this, football fans also love to join in with the customary chants to back their team. The World Cup is also a huge event in Europe, and the nation’s flags are proudly flown during the tournament.
Asia
Asian countries also celebrate sports events in their own way. The most popular sporting event to be celebrated in the East is cricket, which is often accompanied by various rituals and traditions. For example, some Indian fans sing “Go India!” during matches, while other Indian spectators take part in the traditional practice of paan, which is the chewing of betel leaves during the game.
In China, athletic events like the Summer Olympics receive overwhelming support from the local population. Cities will often put on elaborate events to mark the occasion and people will wear their nation’s colours in celebration.
Africa
In Africa, athletics competitions often revolve around traditional African sports, such as matches of soccer, rugby, and other team sports. Every nation also has their own unique way of celebrating.
In Kenya, for example, some of the most popular sports events are marked by urban street parades and large gatherings. Fans wear their team colours and proudly wave flags, while modern musical bands provide fun entertainment to create an atmosphere of joy and passion.
In Nigeria, athletics competitions are often coupled with the local culture. Young men often perform traditional dances in their team’s colours, while other locals join in with singing and chanting.
Australia & New Zealand
The people of Australia and New Zealand are extremely passionate about sports, and they take part in athletic events in a variety of ways.
Events such as the NRL and A-League in Australia attract huge crowds, with fans often turning up to the stadium wearing their team colours and waving flags. Australians also love to sing and chant in support of their team, and oftentimes the whole stadium can be singing along with the national anthem.
Over in New Zealand, the nation’s deep-rooted love of rugby can be seen whenever the All Blacks take the field. Here, the team’s emblem – known as the “Silver Fern” – is an iconic symbol that is proudly sported by Kiwis everywhere. During sporting events, the nation’s traditional haka dance is also performed, adding an extra special layer to the celebration.
It’s clear that athletics events are celebrated and participated in differently around the world. Every country places significance on their unique customs and traditions, which helps makes sports events so special and enjoyable. Whether it’s flying the flag, singing national anthems, or taking part in local customs, it’s clear that different countries have their own way of celebrating and participating in athletic competitions that are unique to each nation.
