Theater of Dreams: The Best Narratively Sports Stories
Bloody ancient sports in Florence. Die-hard Raiders fans in Oakland. Daring bridge divers in Bosnia. Take a look at some of the best Narratively stories that show sports' amazing ability to unite and inspire.
1. The Gladiators of Calcio Storico
By David Airob, Jose Bautista and David Ramos
Image by David Airob, Jose Bautista and David Ramos
Calcio Storico is a Renaissance-era game where punching, elbowing and martial arts are all allowed. Every June in Florence, four teams meet to carry on the bloody tradition.
2. Gay and Gutsy on the Rugby Field
By Jonathan Williamson
Photo by Jessica Bal
For years the Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club have been leading the charge for gay acceptance in sports, one bone-crunching tackle at a time.
3. The Half-Time Hero from West Ham
By Matthew Nelson
Illustration by Luke Healey
Every soccer fan dreams of being able to score a goal for their club. But for one West Ham supporter in 1994, that fairy tale became a reality.
4. Going Deep With the Raiders Superfans Benched by Betrayal
By Aaron Adler and Chris De Benedetti
Photo by Aaron Adler
In the face of a changing city, Oakland Raiders fans are more determined than ever to keep hold of their city's beloved and beleaguered football team.
By Howard Megdal
Photo by Alison Brockhouse
Being a New York Mets fan is hard enough. But how do you convince your young daughter to join the long-suffering fandom?
By Jen Kirby
Photo by Ashley Devick
The bridge in Mostar, Bosnia was a symbol of reconciliation after the Bosnian War. Today however a few daring men use it to earn a living, one seventy-foot drop at a time.
By Tabitha Blankenbiller
Photo courtesy of Tabitha Blankenbiller
Think soccer fans and you'll probably conjure up images of European hooligans. But, as one Seattle Sounders fan living in Portland Timbers territory discovered, the stateside rivalries can be no less intense.
8. When the Long Island Coliseum Falls
By Nicholas Hirshon
Photo courtesy of Nicholas Hirshon
The Nassau Coliseum may no longer host the New York Islanders or have the glitz and glamour of Madison Square Garden. For one Islanders fan though, the Long Island landmark is a point of pride.