Sport is a competitive physical activity that aims to enhance participants’ physical fitness and well-being. It is usually governed by rules and customs. They aim to ensure fair play and fair competition.
Sport has also been used to represent national identity. The sports of various countries are a representation of their cultural, historical and social heritage.
Many modern sports have been marketed as signs of distinction and prestige. This has contributed to globalization of sports. Since the beginning of the 20th century, these types of sports have undergone spatial and political diffusion.
During the 19th century, sports became a “patriot game” and were used to construct a national identity. In the 1930s, the Uruguayan soccer team won the first World Cup championship. Similarly, the “Cape Coloureds” won the right to compete in sports in South Africa.
Aside from the physical aspects of sport, emotions also play a role in the experience of sports. These can occur before, during or after a performance.
These feelings can be orchestrated and managed by coaches, judges or pundits. They help define the roles of players, spectators and coaches. Often, these feelings are orchestrated by subcultures that surround the sports.
In modern sports, there are age classes, weight classes and height classes. Results are also scored by judges.
While many people participate in sports throughout their lives, some stop when they reach a certain age. The motivation to continue is often personal.
People who have been encouraged to participate in sports as children can become emotionally invested in the discourses of sports. Their emotions may be orchestrated or triggered by stage setters, anthems or postgame victory celebrations.