Sports and Games
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
(Proverb)
Sports and games have been around us since centuries. They are no less important than food and fresh water. Sports are usually physical activities while games involve mental exertion. Both play an important role in the development of human personality. They provide physical fitness, mental health and entertainment. They teach us the lesson of discipline, teamwork, patience, punctuality and obedience.
The history of sports and games may extend as far back as the beginnings of military training. Artifacts and structures suggest sports in China as early as 2000 BC. Monuments of Pharaohs indicate the presence of sports in ancient Egypt. However, these were the Greeks who introduced Olympic Games officially, which were held every four year in a small village called Olympia.
There are two major types of sports and games; outdoor and indoor. Outdoor sports such as football, cricket, hockey, tennis, baseball, basketball and volleyball are famous and popular all over the world. Indoor games such as chess, wrestling, badminton, table tennis, boxing, squash and snooker are also renowned and have significant participant and fan base.
Sports and games have a great social importance. Since time immemorial, sports have always brought together people from different parts of the world. In Rome, for example, the so-called "Gladiator" games where people from all over Rome could assemble in an arena and watch Gladiators fight to the death. It was a major point of socialization.
Sports and games keep our bodies healthy, fit and robust. Sports require the participant to undertake quick movement of limbs. This stimulates the participant's blood circulation, hence it makes the body to become stronger, sturdier and healthier. Immunity against diseases, better sleep, retention and prevention of memory loss are the other health benefits of sports and games.
Sports and games also have a sense of psychological and emotional bearing on participants. Following of the laid down rules of sports or games fosters discipline and obedience. When one wins, it emboldens the participant and creates a sense of pride to the winner. The loser, however, learns to accept defeat, and is encouraged to train harder and aim for a victory next time.
There are two major types of sports and games; outdoor and indoor. Outdoor sports such as football, cricket, hockey, tennis, baseball, basketball and volleyball are famous and popular all over the world. Indoor games such as chess, wrestling, badminton, table tennis, boxing, squash and snooker are also renowned and have significant participant and fan base.
Sports and games have a great social importance. Since time immemorial, sports have always brought together people from different parts of the world. In Rome, for example, the so-called "Gladiator" games where people from all over Rome could assemble in an arena and watch Gladiators fight to the death. It was a major point of socialization.
Sports and games keep our bodies healthy, fit and robust. Sports require the participant to undertake quick movement of limbs. This stimulates the participant's blood circulation, hence it makes the body to become stronger, sturdier and healthier. Immunity against diseases, better sleep, retention and prevention of memory loss are the other health benefits of sports and games.
Sports and games also have a sense of psychological and emotional bearing on participants. Following of the laid down rules of sports or games fosters discipline and obedience. When one wins, it emboldens the participant and creates a sense of pride to the winner. The loser, however, learns to accept defeat, and is encouraged to train harder and aim for a victory next time.
Winner never quit and quitters never win.
(Vince Lombardi)