Sports have the ability to transform groups of strangers into a united community. In the celebratory spirit surrounding the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Sony and the World Photography Organisation present UNITED – a contest honouring the passion of football fans around the world. Seven inspirational photographers have been selected by Sony and WPO to capture the atmosphere and celebration of the World Cup across the globe. Photo: France – French fans cheering for their team. (Photo by Anthony Lepinay)

Teams face off in the Cartier Elephant Polo Cup November 18, 2006 in Jaipur, in the Indin state of Rajasthan. Cartier hosted the event which was held to highlight the plight of the dwindling numbers of Asian elephants. Indian and international celebrities flew in the India's “Pink City” for the high society event held by the global watch and jewelry giant. The animal rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, “PETA” had planned to protest the match, saying that elephants should not be used for sport. Elephants in Jaipur are commonly used for carrying tourists at historic sites. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Lady officers of the Philippine National Police force show the taped muzzle of their guns at a police camp in Taguig City, south of Manila, Philippines, 22 December 2014. Law enforcement units all over the country held a ceremonial taping of firearms as a counter measure against cases of indiscriminate firing and illegal discharge of service weapons during the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. (Photo by Francis R. Malasig/EPA)

A dragon mask for the upcoming Lunar New Year hangs on the wall at Lily Hambali's and lion masks and custome maker in Bogor, Indonesia, 02 February 2015. The Chinese Lunar New Year, known here as Imlek, is only three weeks away. The whole city is getting decked out to celebrate the event on 19 February 2015. (Photo by Adi Weda/EPA)

Belgian priest Philippe Goosse (L) blesses Bloodhound dogs during a religious and blessing ceremony for animals, outside the Basilica of St Peter and Paul in Saint-Hubert, Belgium November 3, 2015. Hundreds of animals get blessed during the celebration of Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters who is also invoked for protection of dogs and horses, organisers said. (Photo by Yves Herman/Reuters)

Members of the traditional Los Historiantes dance group perform during a welcoming ceremony for Catholic devotees known as "Cumpas", in the town of Cuishnahuat, El Salvador November 26, 2015. The Catholic people of the El Balsamo mountain range meet in the village of Cuishnahuat in November to celebrate the 'friendship' between their respective patron saints in a ceremony that has been carried out for more than 300 years, according to the government. (Photo by Jose Cabezas/Reuters)

Comic club member Michael Kenney pauses on South Broad Street to adjust his costume during the 116th annual Mummers Parade in Philadelphia on Friday, January 1, 2016. Outrageously costumed Mummers strutted their stuff Friday at the city's annual New Year's Day parade, a colorful celebration that features string bands, comic brigades, elaborate floats and plenty of feathers and sequins. (Photo by Joseph Kaczmarek/AP Photo)

Buns are stamped the Chinese characters “Ping An”, meaning peaceful and safe, inside a bakery, at Hong Kong's Cheung Chau island, China May 17, 2015, ahead of the upcoming Bun Festival on May 25. The festival celebrates the islanders' deliverance from famine many centuries ago and is meant to placate ghosts and restless spirits. (Photo by Tyrone Siu/Reuters)