Sports are physical activities that are usually competitive and organised, intended to use, maintain or improve a person’s physical ability and skills. They can also provide enjoyment to participants and entertainment for spectators.
Sports include a wide range of sports, including:
Golf; gymnastics; swimming; diving; tennis; horse racing; boxing; football (soccer); and motorsport.
Almost all sports involve some form of competition, and the outcome of these contests is often determined by physical events or by judges who score elements of the sporting performance. Winning is usually based on objective measurements or on subjective criteria, such as technical performance or artistic impression.
Socialization into sports is a complex process that can have a major impact on people’s lives, relationships, thoughts and feelings. This is especially true of children who are socialized to become athletes from an early age, and of adults who continue to participate in sports throughout their lives.
The symbiosis between sports and the media is a powerful force in modern society, and it has raised a number of questions about its effects on individuals. One of the most important is how sports can support or undermine national identity politics.
The socialization of young people into sports is a complex process that can result in changes in character, relationships, thoughts and feelings. The role of the media in this process is a significant concern, particularly in elite sports where the media’s economic interests are uppermost.