Sportsmanship and Civility Initiative

Sportsmanship and civility are deeply interconnected concepts. The mentality of “winning at all costs” and an over-emphasis on “gamesmanship,” or seeking ways to tilt the game in one’s favor, undermines the spirit and enjoyment of the game and undercuts the health of a democracy. By prioritizing sportsmanship—emphasizing fairness, respect, teamwork, humility, and integrity—we cultivate values that are essential to civility. Ronald Reagan understood this deeply as a lifelong participant in the world of sports. He played football in college, broadcast baseball games on the radio, portrayed “the Gipper” on screen, and established the tradition of welcoming championship teams to the White House.

The Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy and the Rose Bowl Institute are now working together to catalyze a multi-sport messaging campaign promoting the values of good sportsmanship in broader civic life.