The ‘aesthetic’ element of sports is still very important, but the emphasis on quantitative performance has largely shifted. One interesting example is how the word measure changed from connoting a sense of balance and proportion to one that refers to numerical measurements. In other words, sports are all about improvement. As individuals learn new techniques and improve themselves, the sport becomes more credible. Here are some examples of how sports can improve the aesthetics of life.
The first recorded games were played in the late seventeenth century. In England, the word’sport’ originated from the Old French ‘desport’, which means leisure. Traditional pastimes were pushed underground during the Puritan period, and organized games were developed in their place. The Marylebone Cricket Club, which was founded in 1787, led the way in developing cricket and rationalized competition. This evolution led to the development of modern sports.
Sport can take many forms. For example, cheerleading and golf are both considered sports. Dancing and fishing are considered pastimes, but can be categorized as sports if they involve competition. The competition is structured and overseen by an organisation. This structure adds structure and formality to sport. This structure also contributes to the sense of community and sociality that sport creates. It can also improve mental wellbeing and social relationships. Sports are the most popular form of physical activity, with hundreds of millions of people participating around the world.
While it is unclear when sport was first created, it is certain that human communities have always included sports in their play. Prehistoric art depicts hunters pursuing their prey with joy and vigor. In ancient civilizations, this activity became a source of great entertainment, and was even an end in itself. It has become an important part of society for a variety of reasons. It is even a source of religious worship, as the Greek physician Galen praised ball games for its health in the 2nd century ce.