While many people consider sports to be just physical activities, they often refer to the whole spectrum of human activity. For example, a basketball game may be defined as a physical activity. But there are also sports for the sake of aesthetics. The aesthetics of sport include both physical competition and art, and can vary widely among cultures and countries. Here are some examples of how art and sports influence each other. All of these have a positive impact on our lives.
In the early Renaissance, sport became more secular and was embraced by the elite. The 17th-century Czech educator John Amos Comenius proclaimed that “physical education should be a part of education.” During the 15th-16th centuries, the elites of Europe preferred dances and geometric patterns. Ballet was born in France, and dance choreographers trained horses for graceful movements. During the same time period, fencing became an art form, with French and Italian fencing masters considering it an art form. Northern Europeans copied this art form, as well.
According to Michael Brown, the definition of sports refers to a game or competition in which players compete against one another. Despite being part of a culture, most activities do not fit into this definition. Some activities are not considered sports, such as fishing and dancing, but they can be considered sports when they are part of a structured competition. The aim of any sport is to improve a certain body part or activity. Sports promote physical fitness and competition in both individuals and teams.