It is impossible to pinpoint a precise date for the origins of sports, but there’s no doubt that children have been including games and sports in their play for a long time. Prehistoric art depicts hunters, pursuing their prey with joy and abandon. Over time, hunting became an end in itself in ancient civilizations, as evidenced by the rich iconography and literary evidence. And although this history is still unknown, it’s clear that the popularity of games and sports began to grow throughout history.
Although there are no set rules that apply to all sports, the main characteristics that bind them are rules and competitions. Performances are achieved under certain standards and rules and a recognised organisational structure oversees the process and the delivery of an activity. These factors contribute to the formality and structure of sports and encourage competition at all levels. Nevertheless, sports are not perfect, and some participants may find themselves unable to perform to their fullest potential.
The social benefits of sports cannot be overstated. Adolescent girls are often prone to low self-esteem and many think that their bodies are only useful if they can attract boys. The Women’s Sports Foundation compiles data on young female athletes and shows that sports participation provides significant benefits. Girls who participate in school athletics are 92 percent less likely to engage in illegal behavior, eighty percent less likely to become pregnant, and three times more likelier to graduate from college.