As if Philadelphia fans don't take enough of a beating through legitimate national media of all kinds, today we find an obscure Alberta online publication which has some sage advice for the supporters of the 2010 Eastern Conference champions:
Courtesy of SunnySouthNews.com...
Philly fans set bad example with response to loss
"It seems hockey fans in Philadelphia would do well to watch Disney’s Bambi and maybe learn a lesson or two about sportsmanship and class along the way.
Anyone who has ever watched the cartoon recalls the little rabbit Thumper being brought to task for saying something unkind. When he is asked to repeat what his mother taught him he replies, “If you can’t say something nice... don’t say nothing at all.”
Too bad that simple concept was missing during last Wednesday evening’s Stanley Cup final when the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Philadelphia Flyers.
Those Flyers fans, who remained in their building while the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe trophies were presented, booed the presentations, NHL boss Garry Bettman and players who were taking their turn hoisting the cup.
How sad that hockey fans across the country had to witness such a lack of class from fans of the losing team. When it comes to sports and championships there is always going to be a winner and a loser, so young athletes and fans have to learn at an early age how to accept both winning and losing with humility and grace. No one likes a sore loser.
The Blackhawks and Flyers both accomplished a lot this season, both deserved to be in the cup final but only one team could come out the winner. How sad that every clip of the cup celebration will forever be accompanied by a chorus of boos. Let’s hope if the Flyers ever make it to the final again, and perhaps win the cup, that the losing fans have a little more class and allow the winning team to enjoy their victory.
Let’s also hope that local sports fans and athletes learn a lesson from this as an example of what not to do.
Sports and competition in general can have a positive impact on young people but adults, who are suppose to know better, are often the worst when it comes to sportsmanship. Whether it’s fans in the stands or players on the ice, field or court the game is not just about who wins and who loses, it’s about building up lifelong lessons that go beyond sports.
A player or fan who can’t handle losing probably can’t handle disappoint or set backs in their every day life. Young players and fans should take this lesson to heart and decide now that win or lose, they will have the class and maturity to handle either result without resorting to booing or other ridiculous behaviour."
No comments:
Post a Comment