From the original Ancient Grecian olympics to last year’s Super Bowl, sports have been around for millenia. Today’s public, however, often don’t know the history of some of the nation’s favorite sports. Here you can find some relevant, monumental, and inspiring games that have changed the future of sports forever.
February 11
Boston Bicycle Club is formed
Because Boston was a central hub of commerce and trade during the “bike boom” of the late 19th century, the city played a major role in the development of cycling as a sport. On Feb. 11, 1878, The Boston Bicycle Club was formed as the first sports club in the U.S. dedicated to the bicycle.
John Lennon pays £1,344 fines for students
On Feb. 11, 1970, English singer-songwriter and peace activist John Lennon paid £1,344 in fines for 96 students who were arrested after protesting the South African team playing in Edinburgh, Scotland. Protesters of the game claimed that the South African team was a symbol of the apathetied government and hundreds of students were arrested for their protest of the government’s actions. In 1970, the anti-apatheid movement met any South African team touring throughout Europe with criticism and protest.
February 13
1st Black pro basketball team is formed
After making a deal with William Roach, the owner of the Renaissance Ballroom and Casino, the first all-black professional African-American owned basketball team, the New York Rens, changed their name to the New York Renaissance in order to promote the dance hall. The team went on to beat many all white national champion basketball teams including the Original Celtics, the Philadelphia SPHAS and the Oshkosh All Stars, all of which did not allow African American players to join their teams.
February 14
Georgia senate approves bill for barring blacks
On Feb. 14, 1957 following a push by a Georgia state senator to stand up against the destruction of the intuition of segregation in the U.S., the Georgia senate approved a bill barring blacks from playing baseball with whites. The bill came 10 years after the integration of sports.
February 15
Giant slalom event debuts
On Feb. 15, 1952, the giant slalom event debuted at the Winter Olympic Games in Oslo, Norway. The event, which was only open to men, was won by Stein Erikson of Norway. Christian Pravda and Toni Spiss of Austria followed closely, winning the silver and bronze medals.
Feb. 17
49 fans trampled at soccer match
On Feb. 17, 1974, 49 people were killed and 47 were injured by a stampede for seats at a soccer match in Egypt. By the time the fans broke through the gates of the stadium, there were already over 80,000 people in the arena, which was built to only hold 45,000. The highly anticipated match between the National All‐Star team and visiting Dukla of Prague was cancelled.
Photo: D. Nolte
