In all forms of competitive sport, the object of the game is to win, but sportsmanship is an important part of the experience. Pierre de Coubertin and Grantland Rice are two famous figures who said that sport is about enjoyment, not winning. The basic principles of sport include that no one is guaranteed a particular result and that all participants have equal opportunity to win. Rules are in place to ensure fair play, but players can sometimes break the rules to their advantage.
Historically, sports have been popular in different cultures and in different societies. In colonial Virginia and Maryland, for example, hunting was restricted to landowners. In the new world, however, game was plentiful and people from all classes hunted. In 1691, Sir Francis Nicholson organised competitions for the “better sort of Virginians.” These events involved spectators, owners, and trainers of both races and social classes.
According to Michael Brown, the word “sport” refers to competitive physical activities. The purpose of these games is to improve physical ability and provide entertainment for spectators. In addition to providing enjoyment, sports can also help people stay healthy. Hundreds of different sports exist worldwide, ranging from contests between two individuals to contests involving hundreds of competitors. Some sports involve thousands of participants, while others have only one winner. The most popular forms of sports include football, basketball, and volleyball.