Sports are a broad category of physical activities. They can be casual or organized and are great ways to increase physical fitness and mental health. They also offer the opportunity to make new friends and compete against other athletes at various levels. These activities are often highly competitive and may include social aspects, such as winning or losing. The following are some common aspects of sports.
Throughout the 20th century, sports became global. This expansion led to the inclusion of women and people from minority groups. African Americans, Aboriginal people in Australia, and South Africans fought for the right to participate in sports. Today, sports are not only a source of pleasure but also a mark of power and prestige. While these developments have been accompanied by challenges, they have not eliminated the underlying patterns of power. Nonetheless, a new pattern of international sports is emerging.
The media has a large influence on the sports industry. Sports broadcasts are frequently interrupted by commercial advertisements. Even the august New York Times produces bulky sports sections. As a result, the media have an enormous influence on sports, and their economic interests are usually in the forefront. As a result, the popularity of sports has increased, and daily sports newspapers were founded in many countries. The French newspaper L’Equipe, for example, can be traced to the early 20th century.
In the Middle Ages, archery matches were popular with the bourgeoisie. These matches were often staged with much fanfare. Archery companies were also paraded behind patron saints, and there were contests for the lower classes. These matches were also celebrated with a grand feast and many people became drunk. In these matches, there was a Pritschenkoenig who was supposed to keep order and amuse the crowd by delivering clever verses.