Sports in the U.S. Society (2127)

Many sports and sporting activities are popular in the USA. People of America like to swim, skate, ski, they enjoy playing squash, badminton, tennis, they go in for marathons, track-and-field, bowling, archery etc. But the five major American sports are hockey, volleyball, baseball, football and basketball. Basketball and volleyball have been invented in America.

The important impact of sports on American society is acknowledged by the U.S. Government. The development of skills such as teamwork, self-discipline, and sportsmanship is espe­cially highlighted by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The Council promotes, encourages and motivates the development of physical fitness and sports participation for all Americans of all ages.

There is a large choice of sports in America. This can be explained by the size and variety of the country. There are also many sports activities in America which attract millions of par­ticipants for personal enjoyment, the love of competition and for the benefits of fitness and health. In addition, sport teaches social values like teamwork, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and persistence that are highly regarded in U.S. society.

All these requirements are well covered in team sports such as baseball, basketball, football, volleyball that gained increased emphasis in the 20th century. Individual sports like swimming, golf, tennis, bowling, skiing, and track-and-field are equally popular. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) takes care of the interests of amateur sports.

Every high school offers its students many sports, such as wrestling, rowing, tennis and golf. There are no separate universities for sports in the USA. Students of any higher educational establishment are trained in different kinds of sports. Many colleges and universities are famous for their sport clubs.

Americans also take part in sports as spectators – actually at the contest or via television. There is a great amount of live broadcasting of all different types of sports events, professional and amateur, at state, national and international levels. It is great entertainment for sports fans to watch their teams and athletes competing in professional sports.

Some unusual kinds of sports originated in America. They are wind-surfing, skate-boarding and triathlon. Triathlon includes swimming, bicycle racing and long-distance running. Now these sports are becoming more and more popular in Europe.

Indeed, sport is a part of life of an average American.

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