Sports are an important part of American culture, transmitting values of justice, fair play, and teamwork. They also contribute to racial and social integration. Throughout history, sports have served as social glue, bringing communities together and promoting health and fitness. Even the founding fathers emphasized the importance of exercise and promoted running, swimming, and other forms of physical activity. In the twentieth century, US presidents continued to emphasize the benefits of physical activity.
Emotions play an important role in sports, affecting the athlete’s self-evaluation and that of others. These feelings can be positive or negative, and can occur during and after a sporting event. Athletes manage their emotions in different ways, with certain rules to guide their behaviour. These rules can be used to help athletes make appropriate decisions during postgame victory celebrations and the national anthem.
Globalization has also affected sports, affecting the practices and rules of various sports in different parts of the world. Labour migration has been a common feature of the sporting “global village” for centuries, but in recent decades it has increased in intensity and complexity. The growth of modern technology has also made sports more globally interdependent.
The birth of modern sports dates back to the 17th century, when the first formal sports records were compiled. As the Industrial Revolution continued, sports became a popular pastime, and even the august New York Times started publishing a sports section. In the 20th century, the public appetite for sports news grew tremendously. In many countries, daily sports newspapers were born. The French sports newspaper L’Equipe can be traced to this period.