All the countries are interested in modern sports, whereas in Ireland and the UK traditional sports are more popular, which contributes to the preservation of their national identities and values. This relates back to the theory of essentialism, in which culture is perceived as a small, individual and unique unit in a nation (Intercultural Communication: An Advanced Resource Book). This can also been seen in the cases of Slovenia and Croatia, whose successful sports people are helping contribute to a national pride and identity.