We explain what sport is and what its benefits are. Also, its origin, the Olympic Games and the professionalization of the sport.
What is sport?
The sport is a physical activity carried out by a person or group following certain rules and within a certain physical space. It is generally associated with formal skills and serves to improve physical and mental health.
In some cases, sport It is institutionalized by sports associations, federations or clubs.
It is common to confuse the terms sport and physical activity or fitness. The difference lies in the competitive nature of the sport; In the case of fitness or physical activity, it is done for personal satisfaction and recreation.
See also: Physical culture
Sports history
There is evidence that indicates that the origin of classical sports dates back to 4000 BC. C. approximately. In ancient Egypt, tools, utensils and structures were found that are the precursors of sports that are practiced today, such as javelin throwing and high jumping.
On the other hand, Wrestling and the marathon have their origins in ancient Greece. The term “marathon” arose thanks to the Greek soldier Pheidippides, who died of fatigue after traveling 37 kilometers in 490 BC. C. from the town of Marathon to the city of Athens to notify the victory over the Persian army.
Greek culture gave great importance to sport and created the ancient Olympic Games (the basis of the modern Olympic Games) that took place from 776 BC to 393 AD.
Types of sports
- Combat sports. Disciplines in which two opponents fight hand to hand based on certain rules. For example: boxing, taekwondo, fencing, judo, karate, kick boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts and jiu-jitsu.
- Ball sports. Disciplines in which the essential element is a ball and is played in groups or individually. For example: football, rugby, volleyball, basketball, tennis, paddle tennis, golf, handball, table tennis, squash, cricket, hockey, baseball, billiards and lacrosse.
- Athletics sports. Disciplines in which competitors are measured in tests of strength, speed, throwing and jumping. For example: running, hurdles, pole vault, high jump, long jump, shot put, javelin throw, discus throw and hammer throw
- Water sports They are carried out on or in water. For example: swimming, surfing, rowing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, diving, kayaking, water polo, water skiing, bodyboarding and rafting.
- Mountain sports They are carried out in mountainous terrain. For example: mountaineering, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, zip lining and climbing.
- Motor sports They are carried out on a motorized vehicle. For example: motorsports (formula 1, rally), motorcycling (speed motorcycling, motocross), motorboating and aeronautics.
- Equestrian sports. They are carried out on animals. For example: turf, polo, duck, cross-country, horse riding.
Olympics
The Olympic Games are the sports celebration largest in the world. It is held every four years and is based in a city (which is previously defined by the international sports committee) and brings together athletes from the five continents who participate in different sports disciplines representing their country.
There are the Summer Olympic Games and the Winter Olympic Games that are inspired by the games that were organized in ancient times in Olympia, Greece (8th century BC). The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece in 1896.
Competitors from more than 200 countries currently participate in 46 disciplines, including: athletics, basketball, cycling, rowing, soccer, hockey, taekwondo, tennis and volleyball.
Continue on: Olympic Games
Professionalization of sports
The professionalization of sport occurs when the practice of a sport becomes a profession. The athletes are professionals when they dedicate a large portion of time and energy to practicing a sport in which they compete. Professionalization implies an increase in the intensity and level of training of athletes due to the high level of competitiveness within the different disciplines.
The professionalization process arose, among other factors, due to the expansion of the media that gave visibility to a greater number of sports and the increase in leisure time.
The sport It constitutes an industry of immense dimensions and its popularity varies according to each culture. For example: baseball and American football are practiced in the United States, cricket in Great Britain and Australia, artistic gymnastics is promoted by the Chinese and Russian state, polo is a typical sport in Argentina.
Technology plays a fundamental role in providing data to adjust the precision of sports results. Over time, sports include techniques and technologies such as cameras, more precise meters and sensors so that the activities achieve greater precision, so that there are no doubts about the performance of the participants.
Features of the sport
- It is regulated: It is carried out based on a set of rules and principles that provide the basis for the discipline, and that must be known by everyone who plays the sport and allow it to be practiced in a clear and orderly manner.
- It has a competitive nature: Whether individual or group, sport differs from a simple game because of the competition that occurs between individuals or groups that face each other in order to win.
- Transmits values: Through practice, values such as respect, honesty, effort, perseverance, tolerance for frustration, among others, are internalized.
- Improves the quality of life of those who practice it: Sport contributes to the physical and mental development of those who practice it: it improves physical resistance, regulates blood pressure and reduces stress.
- Promote social ties: Teamwork generates strong and lasting emotional and social ties that are generated by sharing the practice of a sport.
- It is institutionalized: The federations or associations of each sport regulate the practice, update the rules, organize championships, and promote and give visibility to the discipline.
Importance and benefits of sport
The sport It is one of the fundamental practices that an individual carries out to maintain a healthy life is usually done for recreational, physical or mental purposes. It is recommended to practice at least 30 minutes of sports or physical activity a day to:
- Regulate blood pressure
- Reduce body fat
- Prevent diseases
- Correct bone posture
- Build muscle mass
- Release tensions
In addition to being fundamental for the physical development of individuals, sport has psychological and social benefits:
- Promotes social relationships
- Promotes teamwork
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Allows you to acquire good habits
Continue with: Physical education
References
- “Sport” in RAE.
- “What do you define sport?” in Forbes.
- “Olympic Sports” on Olympic Channel.
- “Sports” at Tokyo 2020.
- “The importance of sports in children's education” in Más Vida.
- “Physical activity” in World Health Organization.
- “Sport: why are they all benefits?” at the Spanish Heart Foundation.