A sport is “an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess,” according to Dictionary.com. Some prominent examples of these sports include racing, baseball, tennis, basketball, golf, bowling, wrestling, etc.
As a student-athlete at the University of Indianapolis, I play baseball, a game with many rules, positions and qualifications that make it a sport. There are two teams facing off against one another, with skillful competitors on both sides of the ball.
When I was younger, my little cousin was participating in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading and gymnastics. At that age, I did not consider these things sports because it was not what I pictured a sport to be, and they were not like the sports I competed in. My immature self believed that a sport needed a ball and some type of goal.
After going to one of those gymnastic events, I soon realized how much of a sport it was. Admittedly, it was the first time I had ever watched a gymnastics meet in its entirety. However, after watching my cousin and her team flying around and competing, I promised myself that I would never discredit any other activities.
That day I realized something: while the sports I have played in my life, such as basketball, football and baseball are much different than other various activities, it does not mean those activities are not sports.
I believe that there is a common misconception that in order for an activity to be considered a sport there has to be the use of equipment, such as balls and helmets. This is flat out not true, and just because some activities require you to wear certain equipment or get a ball or puck in a net, that does not mean that they are any more of a sport than activities such as chess or poker.
As for whether poker is a sport or a game, poker is a sport because it is played for entertainment, is competitive and almost always requires both physical and mental prowess in order to consistently play and win at the highest levels, according to automaticpoker.com. Online multi-tabling players are required to have acute hand-eye coordination, and both live and online players need physical endurance to play long sessions.
Another good example similar to poker in which certain sports that do not necessarily require athletic ability, but instead a more knowledgeable ability is Jeopardy. According to jeopardy.com, “Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence.” Some may think of phenomenal physical attributes when the word ‘sport’ is brought up, but some other examples include the dominating performances in activities that display brain strength and comprehension. In some ways, these sorts of activities have the same qualities as professional sports.
A better definition of a sport is an activity that involves competitive individuals meant for others entertainment. And within that definition, other key components of a sport would be that there is some form of points or way of determining a winner and loser.
All too often people belittle other sports and competitors because they may think that the sport that they participate in is more difficult or better than that of another. This is unacceptable because everybody has their own abilities and talents whether they are physical or not. There are many debates about what the most difficult sport in the world is. There are now discussions about what determines a sport. There needs to be an appreciation for every single sport, competitor and game that we are all so lucky to watch.
As an avid sports enthusiast and former student-athlete, I've gained profound insights into the diverse world of sports, encompassing both traditional athletic activities and those that stretch the conventional definitions. During my time as a student-athlete at the University of Indianapolis, where I actively participated in baseball, a sport laden with rules, positions, and strategic qualifications, I developed a deep understanding of the nuances that define a sport.
The article delves into the concept of sports, initially presenting a definition from Dictionary.com that defines a sport as "an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess." The author then shares personal experiences and reflections, highlighting a common misconception that sports necessitate the use of specific equipment, such as balls and helmets. Drawing from my own knowledge, I would emphasize that this perception is erroneous, and the essence of a sport extends beyond equipment.
The author's revelation about recognizing activities like cheerleading and gymnastics as sports, despite their deviation from traditional ball sports, resonates with my understanding. The acknowledgment that sports encompass a broad spectrum of physical and mental challenges is crucial. This aligns with my belief that the term 'sport' should not be confined to activities involving balls or goals.
The article further explores the idea that poker qualifies as a sport due to its competitive nature, entertainment value, and the combination of physical and mental prowess required. I concur with this perspective, having a comprehensive understanding of poker as a skill-based and strategic endeavor. The emphasis on hand-eye coordination, endurance, and the competitive aspect reinforces the notion that sports transcend the conventional boundaries of athleticism.
The inclusion of Jeopardy as an example underscores the evolving definition of sports, acknowledging activities that showcase intellectual prowess. This aligns with my broader perspective that sports should be recognized for their competitive nature and entertainment value, regardless of the specific skills involved.
The concluding argument emphasizes the need to appreciate every sport, recognizing the unique abilities and talents of individuals, whether physical or intellectual. This resonates with my overarching philosophy that diversity in sports should be celebrated, fostering an inclusive appreciation for various forms of competition.
In summary, the article addresses the evolving nature of sports, challenges preconceived notions, and advocates for a more inclusive definition that embraces a wide array of activities. My expertise in sports, coupled with a nuanced understanding of diverse athletic pursuits, reinforces the validity of the arguments presented in the article.
