The History of Sports

The History of Sports

The word “sport” is a broad, yet narrow, definition of physical activity. Whether casual or organised, physical activities improve our health, improve our minds, and create social relationships. Competitions at all levels help define and promote the best athletes and teams. These can be competitive events in various sports, from recreational running to Olympic competitions. In addition to the obvious benefits to our health, sports provide a forum for social interactions. As such, they should be included in our daily lives.

In colonial Maryland and Virginia, sports occupied considerable attention. Hunting was a privilege reserved for landowners in England. Game was abundant in the colonies, so everyone could hunt, including slaves and servants. These practices were both culturally and socially neutral, which led to the development of competitive sports in the colonies. In 1691, Sir Francis Nicholson organised competitions for “better Virginians.” These events involved spectators of all social classes, and both races.

The development of sport in colonial America began in the seventeenth century. The earliest artifacts suggest that sports were practiced in ancient China. Gymnastics, javelin throwing, and wrestling were common in ancient Egypt. Other ancient cultures developed different sports as well. In the Persian Empire, ancient sports included Zoorkhaneh, a martial art. And in modern-day Australia, motorized and organised sports emerged. Historically, there were few forms of sports.