A major component in the life of human beings is sports, and it must have been so for ages, even perhaps from the time of the caveman [i dare to conjecture].
Sports, music, movies, musicals, plays &dramas are definitely an essential part of our lives, whether we are rich or poor, black or white, meek or powerful.
Sports stands out clearly among all these forms of recreation and entertain for many reasons. In sports, whether individual or team sports, whether outdoors or indoors, the players and viewers slug it out, sweat it out and even swear it out !
Sports is more than just physical, it is also mental, psychological, emotional.....and in recent times, very much commercial! Sports has gone beyond the individual, institutions, regional, national and is very much international now.
We are in the verge of witnessing another summer Olympics in the eastern city of Beijing, where perhaps over 150 nations will be represented, carrying their national colours, flag and pride, competing for medals and awards.
Sports strives for excellence in performance, in achieving the highest goals and targets, in doing the best, within the rules of the competition, according to each individual sports. For the sportsman and sportswomen, in striving for excellence, there is fulfillment and satisfaction, and many sports are good physical forms of exercise.
Sports is also about endurance and exceptional talents achievable by human beings. In many instances, the individual begins training from a young age, even from tender ages of five or six, either voluntarily or through parental and institutional programmes.
Thus sports is a definite must in all schools, institutions of higher learning and for all nations.
Sports is almost always enjoyable, fun and challenging, even when blood and sweat is produced, as in combat sports. This is true often for both performer and viewer. On a national level, sporting achievements bring pride, joy and celebrations. Sports is thrilling for both player and viewer and it stirs and lifts up national spirit, unity and brings joy even to an impoverished nation in crisis.
One essence about sports is sportsmanship, fairplay and fair judging. Thus, the need and necessity to ensure all parties comply with the rules and regulations.
Sports should always reject prejudice, racism, politics, cruelty, injustice, cheating and violence. Even in the most physical combat sports, it should be humane. It should never be brutal or violent.
Sports produces champions and heroes and heroines. Many of these individuals and teams become famous men and women in society, though not necessarily wealthy, until television, commercialism, endorsement came into the picture.
With megabucks coming in, there is undoubtedly some corrosion in values, stakes being so much higher, literally a life and death situation for many. Often, one stroke less, one goal more may means millions. Nevertheless, the essence of sports remain as it is still a wholesome, healthy and enjoyable activity for the individual, the family and the whole nation, if not the whole world.
For that reason, we the viewers, chatters, writers, commentators, posters should maintain some level of sportsmanship, fairplay and judgement.
Let us keep sports sporting and exciting, and free from politics, prejudice and profanity.
