Sports in Social Networks and Social Change

I was on twitter a few weeks ago browsing my time line and came across a tweet posted by Landon Donovan. He is one of the top professional soccer players in the league who plays for the LA Galaxy. Donovan tweeted about his life changing experience when he helped children hear for the first time by giving them hearing aids. Galaxy played against the Philippine Azkals in the Philippines and brought doctors and physicians with them to do free medical treatments to help the poor. I thought it was very sweet hearing this side of Donovan and it only inspired me to continue helping the unfortunate. Professional athletes have so much power in this world because of the fan base they accumulate through their career. Professionals have the voice to tell people to get out there and do something life changing for the betterment of themselves. What better way to spread this word than to use social networks? Everyone today is connected online and uses the internet for communication. Professional basketball player, Paul Pierce, constantly tweets about health awareness and obesity among children. He makes posts for programs kids could join to participate in physical activities and charities that people could donate to help this epidemic. Many people admire athletes and some wish to be just like their favorites. If the professionals continue to promote helping communities through their volunteer work then it would likely influence their fans to do the same and make a change in society. Sports is powerful in the American culture and are constantly followed by people through social networks. As they share their stories about doing good things for other people, it will get others to do the same.