Sports have long been a part of society. Whether playing or watching them, you are likely to experience an array of emotions. From passionate identification with the team to despair when a favorite player is injured, there’s a range of emotions to be had.
Unlike conventional work, sport is a voluntary activity. This has led to a number of social and psychological benefits. Firstly, playing in a team teaches children to work together and make new friends. Second, it increases self-esteem by giving them a sense of belonging. Children who play in teams develop social skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
The history of sports can be traced back as far as antiquity. In the early days, athletic contests were primarily confined to youth. The ancient Greek physician Galen recommended that people play ball games to keep fit.
Ball games were a popular pastime for many ancient civilizations. Among the Chinese, it was a ritual performance, not a competition. It was also common in the Aztecs and Romans.
There is no doubt that sports have played a crucial role in shaping national identity. However, they have also been criticized for their xenophobic and chauvinistic associations. Similarly, football hooligans at international matches lend support to the chauvinistic argument.
Nevertheless, there are many other aspects to the sport. For example, it teaches children to cope with disappointment and learn how to overcome the adversity that life sometimes presents.
Similarly, it also teaches kids how to handle the highs and lows of life. Losing is a normal part of becoming resilient.
