Sports (or physical activity) is any forms of generally competitive physical activity that, through organised or casual participation, seek to utilize, improve or maintain particular physical abilities while also providing entertainment for participants, and sometimes, spectators. Such activities can be adapted from a variety of sports such as swimming, rugby, basketball, tennis, golf, hockey, softball, horseback riding, motor ball, aerobics, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, track and field and a wide selection of others. Some common types of sports are American football, ice hockey, badminton, Australian rugby league, tennis, basketball, softball, table tennis and cricket. Sports competitions can be adapted from racquetball, badminton, tennis, American football and baseball, cricket and so on.
In general, sports competitions are characterized by the use of the sporting equipment that makes participating in sports such as baseball, rugby, swimming and gymnastics easier and more comfortable. Sports competition also requires persistence, commitment, hard work, athleticism and the application of knowledge, techniques and strategies from the participant. For example, in sailing, there is a significant degree of technical expertise that comes with the use of the right equipment and discipline rules, and the rules and methodology of sailing are largely determined by international agreements. Similarly, in gymnastics, specific and adequate apparatus are needed to perform a wide variety of physical contests such as freestyle, power, beam, balance and tumbling. It should be noted that despite the similarity in the rules and physical challenges, the level of skill and expertise required in different sports and games differ, especially where the competition is between competitors of the same gender and age.
The history of sport activity can be traced back to cavemen who engaged in battle duels using sticks or trees as weapons. Later, sporting events developed as physical activity that allowed members of society to participate in physical contest without the threat of physical injury or death. As time passed by, the importance of sports activities and sports’ organizations grew. Sports are now recognized as a social activity that promotes healthy body, mind and spirit. The development of games such as golf, tennis, basketball, soccer, track and field, cricket and the like encouraged the growth of professional sportswomen and sports professionals who attracted a substantial amount of public attention and popularity. Sport, no matter what its category and magnitude, are an important part of our lives and contribute significantly towards the maintenance of good health, physical well being and mental attitude.