Sports (or sportsmanship) is any forms of organized or sometimes competitive physical action that, through formal or informal participation, aim to utilize, develop or enhance personal skill and capability while also providing physical enjoyment to competitors, and in certain cases, spectators. There are various types of sports. Some popular examples are ice hockey, swimming, rugby, Australian rules football, American football, tennis, golf, horse racing, motor racing, softball, cricket, rugby, basketball and many more. In Australia, the most popular and well-attended games are basketball, football and soccer, although there are also numerous tennis and badminton games.
Sports involve the use of the body, mind and spirit and the interaction of both the mind and the body. Sports that require large muscles are often called strength sports, while those requiring smaller muscles are called power sports. Sports competitions strive to determine the winner through a competition of sportsmanship, where each competitor strives to achieve a particular objective using every means available. For instance, sprinting to the finish line first or, if that is not possible, at least achieving a place in the finish line in the correct position is an important objective of many competitive sports. Competitors may aim to complete the distance to the finish line as fast as possible or may be aiming to hit the ball the farthest in a specified amount of distance.
It is not just athletes who take part in sports, especially in the case of weightlifting and bodybuilding. Almost everyone can be said to be part of a sport, including swimmers, cyclists, beach goers, golfers, tennis players, baseball and field hockey players. However, unlike other forms of physical activity, most sports are very challenging, thus requiring a high degree of fitness. Even for athletes who do not compete in sports, taking part in sports can help build up and maintain good health.
Sport involvement requires a great deal of physical fitness, both aerobic and anaerobic. It is no surprise then that even children as young as five years old are actively participating in organized sports. They learn a lot of skills, develop their self-confidence, discipline, control and fitness levels and learn how to respect others and their fellow human beings. Their participation also helps them develop their social skills, enhance their academic performance and increase their level of personal confidence. A good example of a sport that develops these important characteristics in young people is swimming.
Most sports require participants to wear some type of uniform, which separates them from other participants. This uniform not only distinguishes participants, but it also provides them with a sense of unity as they compete with each other. Wearing a uniform not only gives the participants a sense of belonging, it also makes them aware of their roles and responsibilities towards their fellow citizens. The main article on this topic in our website discusses how sports participation can help build up one’s physical fitness and how participating in sports can improve one’s social and emotional well-being.
Sports are often associated with a fun, friendly competition where the winner gets to take home a trophy. This is why sports enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in as many sports as possible, to experience all that sports can offer and to learn from their performances. To be honest, most of us would agree that the main benefits of sports are all for the participant – the fun, enjoyment, achievement and fair play.