There are many things that Americans are well known for: burgers, Wal-Mart, and high quality sports are just a few. This year in sports, everyone can become a little more patriotic by sitting down and watching some games.

Whether they be domestic or international, this is the time of year for athletic competition. At home, we've got the legendary, the hallowed, NFL Super Bowl. Nothing is more American. It all boils down to that cold Sunday in February when Americans from all across this great nation gather to watch seven straight hours of football coverage and indulge their inner gluttons with cold cuts, hot wings and nachos.

This year, the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts have great offenses that should make the game a shootout. As a sports fan, this is one game you can’t miss. The two biggest international competitions are also happening this year.

On the international sporting scene the the Olympics are set to start in Vancouver in a week and a half. Whether you like to watch Shaun White tear up the half-pipe, or Apollo Ohno glide on the ice, the Olympics is a sporting event that means something to America. International competition brings out the best in everybody and produces truly memorable moments. The Olympics are something everyone can enjoy. The World Cup, arguably the most popular event in sports, will be held this June in South Africa. Many critics in America say that soccer will never be big here. But for one month every four years, the beautiful game takes the spotlight. Sixteen teams compete to be crowned world champion. Old nationalistic rivalries get to be played out on the pitch. For example, the U.S. opens group play on June 12 against England in what is sure to be an intense match. Having the best players in the world all in one place competing is something any American fan can appreciate. Combining all these events into such a short time frame, it will be hard to get away from the television. Sports are a very big part of the culture in America. This year, the sports culture is expanding and reaching new heights with the amount of sporting events going on this year. The next few weeks will set the tone for 2010 as a sports fan.