The Winter Olympics...

NBC paid tons of money for its exclusive rights to broadcast the 2010 Winter Olympic Games from Vancouver, so who could blame that network for promoting them as vigorously as it is? In fact, since the opening ceremonies last Friday night, it's been mostly Olympics most of the time on all of NBC's affiliates and cable channels, including the Weather Channel.

The later has stationed one of its most popular daytime personalities, Stephanie Abrams, in Vancouver. She's there, along with the Today show's Al Roker, Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, and Ann Curry (among others) to cover the games. Even NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams has been temporarily transplanted from his Manhattan studio to Vancouver to bring us the evening news, with Olympic coverage typically woven into nearly half of it. 

Despite all of this wide coverage, however, I doubt that a whole lot of Americans (or at least in amounts that NBC was hoping for) are tuned in. I'm not watching the Winter Olympics myself, and I don't personally know who anyone else who is watching. I suspect that many Americans are like I am – they just casually follow the events, checking the results and medal counts in the newspaper every morning.

Why?

Because the Winter Olympics are boring. Sorry, but other than hockey, I just don't consider most of that stuff to be spectator sports. There're just unwatchable to me. I doubt that I'm the only one who has such difficulty sitting still to take in this stuff. And I bet most Americans can't even identify some of those sports. Curling? (Is that something they do with their hair?) Luge? Skeleton? (In the their closets?) Short Track? Nordic Combined? Moguls? I thought moguls were people who make tons of money in some kind of business like the movie industry.

Americans love their football, basketball, baseball, auto racing, hockey, golf, and (to a lesser extent) tennis. Those are their core sports, and it's difficult for other things to break through and capture their collective imagination. Now, granted, youngsters in America also like soccer. However, once they hit puberty, most of them become disenchanted with a game whose average final score is 1-0. Besides, soccer just seems so … so … so foreign. I think that may be the root problem with most of the Winter Olympic sports.

Terry Mitchell is a software engineer, freelance writer, amateur political analyst, and blogger from Virginia, USA. He posts at least one article a day to his blog - http://commenterry.blogs.com - on subjects such as current events, politics, technology, society and culture, religion, health and well-being, self improvement, personal finance, trivia, and sports. Terry is also the owner and operator of a website that is dedicated to allowing U.S. citizens to find all types of insurance at reasonable prices.

Sports Equipment Bags Increases the Convenience of Team Travel

When it comes to sports teams, it's almost a certainty that they'll travel frequently for competitions and games, and that each team member must carry certain belongings and equipment for the trips. Sports equipment bags provide an easy way to carry these belongings while also building team morale. Team logo bags are duffle bags or other similar bags with a printed team logo. Sometimes even the players' names and numbers are printed on the bags.

When traveling overnight or on a day trip, many sports equipment bags have plenty of room for a uniform, personal hygiene items, shoes, and even protective gear. Team bags come in your team's colors and have the logo custom printed professionally to give a uniform look. Team bags are often made of very durable materials to prevent wear and tear for the active lifestyle.

Who Uses Team Player Bags?

Any sports team or scholastic team can benefit by using team player bags. Team bags are designed to fit any need. Those involved in active sports such as basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and football can use sports equipment bags for local games or games that are played in other towns. Either way, the duffle bags are convenient for keeping all their necessary items for the game.

Swim teams can use team logo bags for their swimsuit and gear. Some swimming team bags are designed to be water-resistant and include a wet pocket. Those who take gymnastics classes can use team bags to keep all their gymnastics gear. For lacrosse teams, there are special team bags made with a Velcro section to carry a Crosse. There are also special "Crosse" logo bags made to accommodate two Crosses. For cheerleaders, team bags are designed for various levels of competition. Hockey players can benefit from specialized hockey stick bags or hockey garment bags.

Team bags are also convenient for non-sports teams or clubs such as chess clubs, honor clubs, beta clubs, science teams, and college fraternities.

Finding the Right Sports Equipment Bags for Your Team

Before buying sports equipment bags, consider the quality of the bags first and foremost. Bags for sports teams should be made to withstand frequent carrying and use. They should have reinforced stitching and be made of thick, durable material. Buy team logo bags that are appropriate for your team's sport. The bags should be large enough to accommodate your team's usual gear and a few personal items. Look for your school or team colors, and be sure to provide a clear copy of your team's logo for quality screen-printing. If ordering online, consider the screen-printing set-up charges as well as shipping. These can greatly affect your final cost when ordering, but you can find good deals and even save money with some Internet companies. Many sports bag printing companies offer a quantity discount, so be sure to check out the specials before choosing your bags.

When traveling, team logo bags can help all your team members feel a sense of belonging and help boost morale before each game or competition. You can order the logo bags online with just a few easy steps. Check out the types of team bags available for your particular sport so you can start boosting team spirit today!

Bags Blog

Bags for Sports offers team equipment bags of all types, shapes, and sizes, made in your choice of heavy duck canvas or cordura nylon. End Pockets are available as an option on most bag types.

Each of our bags are custom made to your specifications. Including team colors, team logo, player numbers, and player names. Best of all our bags are offered below retail price for the value conscious buyer.

Your Team Equipment Bag, made in Massachusetts USA, is 100% guaranteed. An artist is on premises to provide screen-printing for your team equipment bag or team apparel. View our About page for bag construction detail.

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