Since the time I was a little girl, I have always had a great passion for sports. I grew up playing them, participating in basketball, softball and track.

Ultimately, I gave them up my freshman year of high school, but that has not changed my love and appreciation for sports, even if I no longer play them myself.

Sports are unique and important to people in many ways, whether you are just watching them, or if you are participating in them.

What I love about watching sports, especially at the college or professional level, is the way they are able to unite people and bring them together. People from all different walks of life, all races, all ages, all backgrounds, can have this one amazing thing that ties them all to each other, and unites them.

I am a Seattle Seahawks fan, have been my whole life, and one of the things that brings me so much happiness is seeing all the flags, banners, jerseys, etc. that are all proudly displayed, especially during the playoffs. People see these and it sparks conversation with strangers, both excitedly talking about our chances in the game this upcoming week.

It brings my dad and I an additional thing to do together, watching games and talking about them and the players, starting back when I was little, and it is something I am so thankful for.

One of my favorite memories was after the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, seeing the town shut down, people taking the day off from work, school, and their own lives, to completely flood the streets to celebrate the one thing we all have in common-- the sports team we love.

These players you watch on T.V. inspire people, especially young ones. They inspire them to be better and do better, and to eventually end up like them,

No matter what circumstances people, a city, or even a state face, for a little while, we are able to forget about those problems and have something to cheer for. Sports give cities and the people that inhabit them hope. And that, is something we all could use a bit of.

Playing sports is also so important, especially for young people. Yes, it keeps people healthy and in shape, but it also does so much more than that.

For one thing, being on different teams provides you with the chance to meet SO many amazing people, both on your team, and on opposing teams. Many of these people will remain important in your life, long after our days on the court, field, track, etc. are over.

Also, the chance to travel and gain so many experiences through different tournaments and trips, is one of the biggest highlights.

Above all, however, playing sports teaches so many valuable life lessons that are applicable outside of the game. They teach teamwork, dedication, competition, a good work ethic, drive, and that you can't win every game, but it is important to keep your head up, and come back stronger next time.

I am forever thankful for all that I was able to attain playing sports. And now, even though the curtain has closed on my days of playing, I am thankful for the hope, the inspiration, and the uniting of communities that watching them has given me. Sports are so important to people, more so than I think we all sometimes realize.