Sport is a form of physical activity. It has many different forms and can be both entertaining and enjoyable. Whether it’s just for fun or competitive, it requires both skill and time. Typically, sport is governed by a set of rules and customs, which ensures fair play and consistent adjudication of winner.
Historically, sports have played an important role in American society. Presidents of the twentieth century, such as Woodrow Wilson and Teddy Roosevelt, promoted the benefits of physical activity. In particular, they encouraged swimming and running, and emphasized the need for exercise.
While no one knows when sports began, it seems likely that they may have been played as early as 2000 BC. Artifacts and structures suggest that sport was already well-developed in ancient Egypt and China. Ancient Persians participated in jousting, a martial art.
Ball games, a traditional form of sport, are also thought to have been popular in ancient times. The Greek physician Galen recommended ball games for health. Chinese and Aztecs also played ball games.
During the Renaissance period, sports grew more secular. Elites in Europe and the United States enjoyed geometric patterns of movement. Ballet developed in France during this period.
Modern sports developed in England and the United States during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These early sports were physical contests between adults. Later, the term sport was used to refer to all competitive physical activities.
Unlike traditional sports, modern sports have a quantified measure of achievement. In a competitive event, a judge scores elements of a sporting performance, such as the time it takes to complete a course.