During the early colonial period, sports occupied a great deal of attention. This was in part because the sports were autotelic, meaning that the games involved physical contests for one’s own sake.
These contests involved people from both sexes and social classes. They were open to everyone, including slaves.
As early as the second century ce, the Greek physician Galen recommended ball games for health. The game was common among ancient people, such as the Aztecs.
The word “sport” in the English language comes from the Old French word “desport” meaning “leisure”. During the 18th century, the word became associated with physical contests for adults.
A physical contest involves the use of physical exertion, memorization and goal setting. Sports are a part of every culture.
Sports are a means to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and breast cancer. They also teach teamwork and effective communication. Moreover, they can help people maintain a healthy weight.
Recreational sports include sports that are less physically demanding and emphasis social involvement. They often emphasize success and fun.
Competitive sports involve contests, physical skills through rigorous training, and advancement to a higher level. They are also typically organized and involve rules.
Competitive sports are defined as “sports that involve a group of people playing a physical activity for the purpose of competition”. There are many different types of recreational sports, with the most popular being soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and hockey.
