3 Examples of College Football Promoting Healing After Tragedy

Earlier this week, Associated Press reported that the quarterfinals of university football playoffs in Sugar Bowl had postponed after a terrorist attack in New Orleans. The game played and, as indicated through the South Blespos, carried vital feelings by fans. Throughout history, sports occasions have contributed to help communities cure disasters. In 2021, the Journal of Tusss in Intercollegate Athletics published a study, particularly examining the role of school athletics in the support of the network after catastrophe. For emerging academics and adults, school athletics can provide vital details that announce curative after the trauma of the network. For example, the ability to bring a network closer, with symptoms of solidarity and the progression of reminiscence symbols are all the things that sports occasions can provide gently; However, many young adults cannot cross them. You will locate less than 3 notable examples in which university football has supplied a safe healing detail after a terrorist attack in the United States.

December of 2001 was the first Army versus Navy football game following the terrorists’ attacks on September 11, 2001. The game was played in Philadelphia, and even though the Army football team entered the game with just two wins, and the Navy team was winless, this event brought together significant parts of the country. A 2011 report on Navysports.com indicated that Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Enberg called the game for the first time in his career. A 2021 report on Profootballhof.com indicated that this Army-Navy game was the first time a U.S. president attended the game since 1996. Furthermore, according to a 2024 report on 911memorial.org, this football game drew more television viewers than any college football game in the 2000–2010 decade. (This report also noted that two of the players in the game were later killed in action during their military careers).

Army won the game by a score of 26-17, but the emotional significance of bringing together much of the country is immeasurable. In 2024, the American Psychological Association released a report highlighting the importance of strengthening social support in coping with stressors, which includes trauma. Given the proper context and timing, attending a sporting event following a traumatic event might allow many young adults to experience a sense of connection with their communities.

On September 1, 2007, the football teams of ECU and Viriginia Tech played the first game on the VT campus since the horrifying campus shootings earlier that year. VT won the game by a score of 17-7, but the event was highlighted by an unprecedented show of solidarity. ESPN GameDay was at the event, and according to a 2007 report on ECUpirates.com, ECU was allowed to run on the field at the same time as VT during the traditional “Enter Sandman” introduction. A report that year by the local news outlet Wral.com described how the ECU marching band wore ribbons in remembrance of the victims, and that ECU donated $100,000 to Virginia Tech’s memorial fund. This report included a quote from an alumni stating this game might have been the first time a visiting team received cheers from the VT fans.

Exhibiting signs of solidarity is an important aspect of recovery following a community-based trauma. After the attack in New Orleans, the president of the University of Notre Dame issued a statement and described the spirit of the university as being in solidarity with those who are suffering. Many young adults who experience a traumatic event might feel alone, and such signs of solidarity can help to reduce this negative feeling.

On October 7, 2017, and after a massive filming at the Las Vegas Strip at the beginning of the month, a football adjustment took position between SDSU and UNLV. This game was flooded with memory symptoms. This year’s report at NCAA. com indicated that the two groups have red tape storsities in their helmets with the words “Las Vegas” in them. The report also indicated that an American flag of one hundred yards covered the national anthem deposit to honor the first interested parties. A report of this week on ESPN. com, he said that a victim of the shooting overthrew the raffle, and this report described other diverse symbols, adding a ceremony prior to the adjustment. ESPN. com also reported that SDSU had won the adjustment with a 41-10 score.

Rituals and symptoms of reminiscence are imperative to dealing with trauma. A 2019 report on PsychologyTody. com highlighted the strength of rituals through sadness. Many young adults find it difficult to verbalize their feelings after a traumatic occasion, and rituals can help announce the popularity of the feelings. Again, given the right context and timeline, participating in a ritual, a sporting occasion can be a Cushty option to ease adjustment for many young adults.

The impact of a terrorist attack is an unimaginable tragedy, and full healing and recovery might not be possible. However, it’s important for those affected by such tragedies to experience elements that are known to foster healing. In America, college football can provide some of these factors.

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