Sports play a big part in the lives of many Americans. They leave an indelible mark on us all, whether we play or watch. The essential qualities of sports—competition, fair play, and the zeal to win—embody the American spirit. No part of American culture so colorfully and passionately celebrates American life as does sports.

Sports are an American obsession. We play to stay in shape, to quench our thirst to compete, and to have fun. We watch sports and connect to our favorite teams. When they win, we win. When they lose, we share in their defeat.

Sports have also penetrated art, literature, and film. The dynamism of sports—the excitement of a game, the grace of an athlete’s performance, and the drama that occurs with the triumph of victory and the agony of defeat — inspires artists, authors and filmmakers. Classic films, such as Hoosiers and Field of Dreams, are, for many fans, as significant a part of our national sports memory as famous sporting events.

Although sports have always been a part of American culture, equality in sports, as in society itself, was not easy to come by. African Americans and women, in particular, struggled to gain the same athletic opportunities enjoyed by white males. In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, paving the way for other African American ballplayers to realize their dream of playing in the major leagues.

Whether we enjoy traditional sports or develop new ones that reflect our cultural and athletic diversity, the thrill of competition and the drive to win are stronger than ever before. Athletes will continue to view sports as a means to achieve their goals and pursue them throughout their lives. Fans and spectators will never let their teams down, cheering and supporting their favorites from the start of the game to the finish.