The Importance of Sport in Our Society
Sport (or sporting) is any forms of generally competitive physical activity that, through organised or casual competition, aim to employ, utilise or enhance certain physical skill and ability while offering entertainment for participants, and sometimes, spectators, as well. The type of sport can be anything that participants or spectators can set against each other, including chess, bowling, track running, volleyball, hockey, softball, sailing, surfing, racing, horse-riding, snooker, golf, wrestling, boxing, rugby, surfing, fencing, tennis, skiing, surfing, skydiving, or any other types of competitive sport that participants can participate in. Some activities are naturally common and universal, such as football, basketball, and baseball; others are less common and are used more intensely by specific groups or nations. Sport can be separated into distinct categories, such as team sports, individual sports, competitive skill, physical fitness, aerobic training and body building. Some of the world’s most famous athletes, for example, are known or partake in sport or fitness competitions.
Most modern people participate in some form or sport whether it be a game of street soccer, high diving, table tennis, or even rugby. A sport may include a single activity or a combination of activities that require a specific skill or physical trait. These can include sprinting, lifting weights, swimming, riding a bicycle, shooting, throwing a ball, playing a musical instrument, taking part in a contest, or using a martial art. The sport or hobby typically associated with the word “sport” is participating in athletic endeavour that is governed by rules; these rules are designed to ensure that participants and spectators can experience an interactive and fair contest, but they are also designed to protect the participants, spectators, or athletes from unfair competition and harm.
Sport, as a word or term, often invokes strong emotions, for some people it is a sport like football, ice Hockey or baseball; for others it is a particular art, hobby or cultural activity. These definitions are necessarily relative to each individual country or culture, since sport is commonly used to describe a variety of different events and activities that take place throughout the world. In Europe sport is commonly associated with national teams such as the European soccer team, the French Football Team, the Irish Football Team, the British Cricket Team and the Scottish Rugby Union among others. Many nations in the European Union have recognized the importance and need for sport and its development, particularly through the creation of professional sport leagues.
The term sport itself carries a variety of notations. In the United States, the association football has enjoyed widespread popularity and respectability. The term sport is also used to describe the competitive gaming, with games like baseball, basketball and soccer being the most common examples. Although the games may involve using a ball, they are typically defined as games of agility, strength, endurance, skill and good sportsmanship among other things.
The wide occurrence and usage of the word sport in western cultures highlight the profound impact that the word has on society. Sport is not only seen in the sporting world, but is used in the business and political arena in many different ways. Olympic athletes are considered icons and are sought out by enthusiasts around the world. The influence of professional sport on modern culture is far-reaching and not only in the sporting arena but in politics, business, education, medicine, healthcare and much more. There are many different reasons why the word sport has transcended its boundaries and become an international symbol.
Sport, like all aspects of culture, must be given appropriate weight. Sport, like all aspects of culture, is based on individual perceptions and not mass media. It therefore follows that when a person plays sport they are able to exercise their right to free expression, which includes the ability to identify with others and to express their ideas and opinions on issues that affect their personal and cultural life. This right to cultural self expression is fundamental to human rights and should be protected at all times.