Every once in a while football has a habit of reminding us that it is a global sport and beloved for everyone.
Take for example newly elected NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani who has openly been an Arsenal fan for as long as he can remember.
We were delighted with another such story from New York City itself when Liam Kwon a 5th grader took home the gold in this year’s New York city Spelling bee.
Congratulations to Liam from P.S. 32 in Queens for taking home the gold during this year’s NYC Spelling Bee! 🏆
— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) March 16, 2026
We are so proud of the dozens of @nycschools students who participated in the two days of competition, including runner-ups Dylan from I.S. 73 and Jose from I.S. 230! pic.twitter.com/n9A6crBEV0
The fun part of it was that he did it while wearing a 25/26 Sunderland home kit from Hummel with Dan Ballard’s #5 on the back
It was amazing to see that even at this young age Liam had the post match interview skills locked down.
It’s just unbelievable. It’s my first time in a spelling bee. So, this is really meaningful to me
The video and the event went viral as it saw Sunderland fans all over the internet terming it as a huge moment for the Sunderland fandom.
New York Spelling Bee Champions, you’ll never sing that https://t.co/PvCbDniJF7
— Sensible Sunderland (@SensibleSAFC) March 16, 2026
Huge W for @SunderlandAFC https://t.co/m0JHBrqfP0
— David Brand (@DavidFBrand) March 16, 2026
Ballard 5. He knows ball https://t.co/NTHXLcQYdW
— Rodge (@MRodge99) March 16, 2026
This moment is a testament to the fact that top performances from players like Dan Ballard have attracted praise from fans from all over the world and has reached even the youngest of fans.
The 26 year old Centre back in particular has been a crucial influence in Sunderland’s bid to stay in the Premier League. He has also come to be known as a force to be reckoned with in terms of aerial and ground duels amongst the fanbase.
This wonderful occasion was made much better by the fact that Sunderland Chief Business Officer David Bruce confirmed that he had found the family and we can hope that he will be visiting the stadium of light soon. This has come as a pleasant surprise for the fans themselves who were asking for the club to take the initiative and invite the young fan for a visit.
Sunderland better fly him and his fam to watch a game cus this is immaculate https://t.co/NSjlgBuz2t
— GoodVibesJohn (@GoodVibesJohn) March 16, 2026
With a happy ending to this story, football continues to give us a reminder as to how it can surprise us by delivering a wholesome moment from anywhere and anyone in the world.
