(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Nike’s Official YouTube Account)
“You can’t stop sport. Because you can’t stop us.”
Nike has released a new advertisement, guys, and it’s breaking the internet right now because not only is it timely, it also brings a powerful underlying message: one that is of hope, courage, and solidarity.
The advert’s release coincided NBA’s return after a four-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The video—which runs for 1 minute and 30 seconds—features 36 different pairings of athletes the likes of LeBron James, Naomi Osaka, Colin Kaepernick, Leo Baker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Serena Williams, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Megan Rapinoe.
I personally love the ad’s message, that sports (like music), has the ability to bring everyone together, athletes and spectators alike. That sports transcends boundaries, age, gender, culture, sexuality, race, disability, religion, among many others—because in sports, we are all equal.
Take a look at some of the fans’ reaction on the ad:
Some film editor needs to win all the prizes.
— Charles P. Pierce (@CharlesPPierce) July 31, 2020
OK its a commercial BUT what a fantastic message and brilliant editing. Well done @Nike
— Dave Edwards (@bss_dave) July 31, 2020
Beautiful work. Reminds of us what we are capable of.
— Christy Fletcher (@FletcherChristy) July 31, 2020
The ad itself contains selected memorable scenes featuring the aforementioned athletes in their moments of triumphs, unity, heartache, etc. as U.S. Women’s National Team soccer star Megan Rapinoe narrates the message. She said:
We’re never alone and that is our strength. Because when we’re doubted, we’ll play as one. When we’re held back, we’ll go farther and harder. If we’re not taken seriously, we’ll prove that wrong. And if we don’t fit the sport, we’ll change the sport. We know things won’t always go our way. But whatever it is, we’ll find a way. And when things aren’t fair, we’ll come together for change. And no matter how bad it gets, we will always come back stronger. Because nothing can stop what we can do together.
You do realize that these companies couldn’t give a ratsass about anyone being gay? It’s simply another sales demographic.
The commercial was pretty inspiring up until Nike decided to show Kaepernick….I could really do without having to see the kneeling which is only a symbolic gesture and does nothing to bring about concrete actual change to the socioeconomic problems faced by some Americans. Makes me not want to watch any NFL this coming fall. : (