Sports are a common form of physical activity. They can be casual or organized and are a good way to increase physical fitness and promote mental wellbeing. They can also provide opportunities for social interaction and competition. In addition, they can improve health, mental well-being, and even create a sense of social belonging. However, people may not like to play sport, so it’s important to consider the benefits of sports before labelling them as non-sports.
First, sports can teach children good sportsmanship. The ideal of sportsmanship is to enjoy the activity for its own sake and not for the sake of winning. Pierre de Coubertin and Grantland Rice are two famous examples who said that winning was not the goal of sport. Other key principles of sports include equal opportunity and no predetermined outcome. Although there are rules in place to ensure fair play, sometimes participants break them to gain an advantage.
Sports also teach athletes important lessons about managing emotions. Athletes’ feelings are a reflection of their own perception of their performance and their perception of others’ opinions. Athletes’ emotions can manifest themselves before, during, and after performances. Various subcultures within a sport have developed “feeling rules” that guide athletes in managing their feelings. For example, during the national anthem or postgame victory celebrations, athletes must behave in a certain manner.
As the Industrial Revolution continued, the importance of sports continued to evolve. While the importance of health and fitness was still present, the focus of competition shifted to the pursuit of physical performance. In the 17th century, the Czech educator John Amos Comenius began to promote physical education and exercise. However, the elite of the 15th-16th centuries preferred dances and geometric patterns. This period is also when ballet began to develop in France. In addition to dances, choreographers also trained horses in graceful movements.