“Sport” is the term used to describe any type of physical activity that has been organised by someone for the purpose of having fun, learning, exercising, building, competing, training or viewing. “Sport” also means any form of participatory physical activity, which by organised or casual involvement, aim at improving or displaying some form of physical fitness, mental well-being and social interaction. Sport can be broadly divided into two areas. There is a team sport, such as ice hockey, contact sports such as golf and rugby, and recreational sport, such as horse riding, fishing and sailing.
Sport can be taught, and children learn a great deal about the rules, disciplines and rewards and consequences of winning, losing and scoring during competition. However, many children take up sports for the competitive aspect alone, without the conditioning of skills and social skill that are required for other sports and games. Children will generally enjoy more if they are involved in more interactive and social activities than their purely physical activities would provide. Sport can help to promote healthy lifestyles through the maintenance of good health, fitness and good spirit through participation in various sporting events and activities. It is not just about competition; many other aspects are also important.
Sport also teaches children to use different parts of their mind and body. Participation in sports develops mental attitude and alertness. Some of the most popular sports are tennis, basketball, swimming, golf, tennis, table tennis, badminton, cricket, field hockey, polo and motor racing.
Parents and children should play an active role in deciding what sport is right for them. In the main article there is a discussion of seven key principles to consider when choosing a sport, as laid out by the UK’s Councils for Sport (Chips). Parents need to make sure that sport is fun and that the parents get involved and actively support their children. Children also need to enjoy the sport and parents should be responsible for making sure that the children have fun. If the children are playing a sport for the benefits only, then it will not benefit them physically or mentally either.
A major part of the sport is the physical activity itself. Sports are strenuous activities and involve a lot of movement. As well as the obvious physical benefits such as improved muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, playing a sport can improve balance, co-ordination, cardiovascular fitness, and motor fitness. The performance in major sport events such as Olympic Games, World Cups and athletics is often very high compared to others.
Sport can be both recreational and vocation, but it is important to choose one based on your personal needs and tastes. It is important to be fit and active, but it is equally important that you have fun. A lot of research has been carried out to find out what type of sport would be most suitable and most enjoyable for you, and your family. You should be able to get a fairly good idea about your physical fitness, skills and preferences from your sport activities.