The summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are in full swing and Olympic-fever has taken over, what seems like, the face of the Earth. Every four years the largest sporting event in the world, the Olympics, takes place for the whole world to get in on. One lucky country is selected to host it. The sports are divided up into two games, summer and winter. All countries get involved and have the opportunity to compete in events ranging from soccer to equestrian. What a great tradition that the world keeps, right? Often, people disagree with such an event and find something like this to be “boring” and “pointless”, but I for one, beg to differ. Here are five reasons why the Olympics are a great event.

1. Appreciation for the sports that often go unnoticed.

The Olympics include a good number of sports. Ones that are widely known across the globe, like soccer and basketball, but it also sports that are not often watched or celebrated. Although sports like Judo, Fencing, and Archery are not often aired, the Olympics gives the athletes that train for years in to display true talent and grit in what they love.

2. The games bring people together for the weeks they run for.

The games are such a large event and they invite everyone to share in something together, sit down with others, and watch the greatest athletes in the world compete at the highest level in sports. It’s about celebrating the history and tradition that revolves around such an event. The Olympics make for something very enjoyable for all.

3. Despite your level of knowledge in sports and how much experience you have watching them, you can always find one that appeals to you.

There are numerous options for those who aren’t necessarily sports fanatics to get in on the action and root for their home team. With each sporting event brings excitement for everyone and anyone!

4. The world becomes equal.

With all the issues, feuds, disagreements, and disputes going on in the world, participating countries put aside their differences to come together and compete at the same level. It provides a healthy competition and countries from all over send their top athletes to represent them based solely on their talent, ability, and hard work. Regardless if you are American, Chinese, Brazilian, Scottish, or whatever you are on the same level of play as everyone else.

5. The games have the power to unite a country.

Uniting a country in the sense that everyone is rooting for the same team, the same athletes, and the same country. That overall the Olympics bring about this passion, pride, and love that each individual has resting within them for their country. The games make you really appreciate and show love for the place you call home.