Why Play?
Before the contest begins either team can win. Rivalries can grow and make the game seem like a must win, an absolute requirement. Why we play can be summed up as an opportunity to elevate ourselves, the game, and others; rather than just a win at all costs.
At all costs. Even a win that sacrifices our own soul. To wish for your opponent to be weak or unable to compete, that is a sacrifice of spirit. To compete unfairly is a sacrifice of soul, your own. You should wish the best for your rival.
Don’t hate your opponent. On the contrary, wish that they would be strong, skillful, competitive, and difficult to overcome regardless of your desire for the outcome of the contest.
A fairly executed contest between you and strong opposition will, in the case of a loss, not diminish you. And in the case of a victory will elevate you beyond that of anything you can do to elevate yourself alone.
We need strong opponents. And we need to be a strong opponent for those teams with which we compete.
When both teams compete with this in mind, it exemplifies why we play. It raises others and us to a higher plane.
