Many of us are drawn to sports and other activities in our lives because of the positive attributes that they offer. They teach us to focus on the present and our strengths. In addition to this, they help us to improve our analytical and observational skills. We can learn to accept both the win and the defeat, and develop an overall positive attitude. Sports can help us develop all these traits. Below are some benefits of participating in sports:
One of the most important characteristics of sport is the concept of sportsmanship. This is the expression of joy and enjoyment of an activity for its own sake. The French philosopher Pierre de Coubertin famously remarked: “Sport is about pleasure, not winning.” This principle has many applications in sport, including fair play and the possibility of cheating. Nonetheless, sports can also be a source of self-expression and enjoyment for participants. Despite the positive aspects of sport, there are also many negative aspects.
The term sport is broadly defined by Michael Brown (2016) as an activity that involves competition. This definition excludes gymnastics, track and field competitions, golf, archery, and markmanship. By contrast, sports include competitions in which one team is competing against another to win a prize. In the case of association football, the concept of teamwork is a crucial factor for success. A team-oriented environment also helps foster social interaction skills. Hence, sports should be considered as a means to develop the whole person.