Sports (or sports) is any forms of generally competitive physical activity that, though not specifically organized, aim to employ, maintain or enhance physical aptitude and skills in athletes, participants, and especially in spectators, by providing entertainment and competition, while at the same time, creating an atmosphere that helps people to exercise their natural instincts and social attitudes. A number of different kinds of games have been played across the globe for different reasons, and in different times, by different cultures. Some games have been developed as a means of gambling or a form of sport, while others are intended to help participants focus on certain aspects of fitness or develop certain athletic abilities. The most common types of games that have been around for centuries, though, are football, soccer, tennis, badminton, wrestling, boxing, track and field, hockey, basketball, field hockey and softball.
Generally, sports are classified into two general groups: physical and mental exercises. A physical sport requires a systematic application of the techniques involved in the game: jumping for example, or throwing a ball or serving a ball to another player. Mental exercises, meanwhile, are generally thought of as enjoyable activities that are engaged in to mentally prepare athletes or other people for competitive events. For instance, playing chess allows players to strategize, solve problems and plan strategies, while playing soccer requires the participant to exert effort and use his/her physical faculties. The purpose of each type of game, however, is essentially to involve exertion of the body and the mind in a specific activity or set of activities.
One of the most common examples of physical activities that help build sportsmanship is playing sports. A wide variety of games, such as golf and tennis, require participants to apply physical force against each other. A good example of a sport that entails physical contact is weightlifting, which is also considered to be a sport. Many athletes take part in sports because it allows them to work out their muscles, improve their cardiovascular condition, strengthen their muscles, develop their stamina, improve their motor skills and build their self-confidence. It also allows them to develop their competitive spirit and to give their best at every opportunity.
Sports, like other recreational pastimes, may either be practiced regularly or occasionally as part of a cultural heritage. While playing sports can be beneficial to a person’s physical health and well-being, excessive involvement in athletics may have some negative effects on the person’s mental health and well-being. Some research indicates that sports may have an impact on the development of the brains of children. Moreover, sports may have an influence on children’s self-esteem and may cause children to become dependent on their sport for their sense of belonging and identity formation.
Sports, in essence, allow people to overcome physical obstacles and try to achieve a goal. In many ways, sports help to shape the children of today’s society as they grow up. The sports that a child plays has a significant impact on his/her development as it encourages him/her to use his/her physical dexterity, agility, athleticism and physical strength to excel in his/her chosen sport. As a result, children who play sports develop a strong sense of competition, while also increasing their social and emotional skills.
Not all sports are about physical dexterity and athleticism. Many sports are built on the spirit as well as the physical exertion of its participants. A good example is table tennis, which is built on the spirit of competition among players while encouraging each competitor to bring his/her best game. In essence, sports help children realize their full potential as they learn to exert effort and to rise to the occasion.
