Sports are a global phenomenon. They are an expression of culture, class, and social strata. In today’s global economy, sports are transnationally marketed to all consumers. In the process, they are becoming a form of power, prestige, and distinction. While they are an enjoyable way to spend time with friends and family, they are also a sign of power and distinction.
Historically, sports have been competitive activities that aim to improve physical skills and ability. In addition to providing entertainment and exercise to the participants, sports are also beneficial for the public health. There are hundreds of different sports, and some are played between single contestants while others involve many players. Some sports have two sides and multiple winners.
Emotions are a large aspect of the sports experience. They reflect the athlete’s own evaluation of his or her performance as well as the perceptions of others. Some feelings arise prior to a game or competition, while others occur during or after the competition. Athletes are expected to manage their emotions, and there are rules to help them cope. For instance, in many sports, there are rules for what behavior is acceptable during national anthems and post-game victory celebrations.
The word’sport’ comes from the Old French word ‘desport’, which means ‘leisure’. The earliest English definition of sport dates back to around the 1300s, when it was used to describe anything that humans found entertaining or amusing. In the mid-1500s, the word’sport’ started to mean a game that required physical exercise.
