The Definition of Sport

Sport (or sporting) is any forms of generally competitive physical activity that, through organised or casual participation, attempt to employ, build or enhance physical skill and ability while also providing entertainment for participants, and sometimes, spectators. Sport is not governed by fixed rules that can be followed, unlike games such as ice-skating and swimming; where the rules can be loosely observed since most sport activities are inherently a form of competition, albeit with slight leeway for exception. One major difference between sport and other forms of competition, however, is that in sport, the winner is usually determined by a combination of luck and skill, rather than by unfair physical contact or dominance. The winner of a game can still lose, though this is rarer.

Among the widest recognized forms of sport are organized sports; these are typically characterized by teams, leagues or associations, and competitions between them. Professional sport can also include non-organized activities like riding and gymnastics. There are many types of sport: motor sports, motor vehicle sports, motor cycle sports, track and field, weightlifting, rugby, sailing, skiing, hockey, boxing and snooker. While certain sports, like horseback riding, are generally associated with strenuous physical exertion, others, such as table tennis, golf and swimming, are associated with skill. In most sports, the competition can be determined by the presence of various equipment or mechanisms, such as those used in synchronized swimming, lacrosse and softball.

Sport activities are popular worldwide because they offer a variety of opportunities to participate in physical activity, exercise, and competition. Many people find sport enjoyable and think that it provides a forum for social interaction and team spirit, while others consider it to be merely bodily contact with a potential opponent. Different sports have different effects on people, depending on their physical ability, motivation and interest. Some sports may even increase attention spans and improve mental focus, while other may make people feel tired or bored and reduce their participation in physical activity.