Sports are physical contests pursued for the goals and challenges they entail. They are a type of recreational activity and are rooted in every culture past and present.
Sporting activities have many similarities to other forms of physical activity, but they differ in several significant ways. They can be organized or unorganized; they can be amateur or professional; and they can be played by teams, schools, communities, businesses, or organizations.
Organized sports require a specific set of rules. These rules are enforced by an organization that schedules and organizes games.
Throughout history and across cultures, people have participated in sporting activities to gain strength, confidence, or social recognition. These events also have served to promote national identity, as athletes exemplify their country’s values and heritage.
The role of sports as a means of national identity has been highly complex. Using mythology, invented traditions, flags, anthems, and ceremonies, sports often invoke a historical legacy, past glories, or travesties to create a sense of belonging.
In the context of globalization, however, the connection between sports and national identity has become increasingly contradictory. As the world’s economies and cosmopolitan cultures have expanded, sports are seen as a tool for international recognition and prestige even as they reinforce ethnic defensiveness and exclusivity.
To report well on sports, journalists must have a solid understanding of the game and its players, coaches, and standings. They may also need to know about its history, controversies, and other relevant information.
