Wide, Wide World of Sports
Sitting down to draft this article, I'm reminded of a time when my kid, Elwyn, asked me a question that left me stumped. "How many sports are there, dad?" he had asked. And as a curious dad, who can never let go of an opportunity to bestow knowledge upon his offspring, I chose to dive deep into the world of sports. And dear reader, what I found was not just diverse but also vast and extremely exciting. So, let's kick things off and explore the wide, wide world of sports together, shall we?
Around The Globe in 80 Sports
Okay, okay, eighty might actually be on the lower side for the number of sports one can really count. But we'll start with this. Many of us know football, basketball, cricket, tennis - the usual suspects. But have you ever heard of Sepak Takraw, Finnsticking, or Kabaddi? These are just a handful from an enormous list of sports that you might not be familiar with but are quite popular in their respective regions. Elwyn was thrilled to know we could name way more than just 80 sports!
Pushing The Boundaries
Now, if you're trying to push the envelope and look beyond the conventional embodiment of a 'sport,' you might broaden the horizon further. Remember the times when Marla and I would indulge in a friendly game of petanque on our visits to France? Petanque, originally a village game in Southern France, is now recognized as a sport and played in over 60 countries. The same goes for eSports, the competitive side of video gaming. The digital world now recognizes eSports as a legitimate sport with global competitions and massive prize money. You see, the definition of sport is broadening each passing day.
Let's Talk Indoor
Sports aren't only about green fields and open skies. If you are someone who likes the comfort of a ceiling and four walls, there is a multitude of indoor sports you can indulge in. From the exuberance of Futsal to the quiet intensity of a game of chess, indoor sports cater to everyone's preferences. Sports like table tennis, squash, badminton, to name a few, are great not just for your physical health, but their speed and thinking-on-your-feet nature help keep your cognitive functions in tip-top shape as well.
Snow, Ice and Everything Nice
Sports come alive in all seasons and climates, so don't think the cold weather can stop the fun. Ice hockey, one of the most high-energy sports out there, takes place inside a chilled arena. Snowboarding and skiing are thrilling hobbies for thrill-seekers, not to mention being the flag-bearers at every Winter Olympics. And have you heard of Ice Cross Downhill, a winter sport where athletes don ice skates to descend a track of hills and jumps? See, the cold weather isn't that bad, eh?
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
For those who like a dose of adrenaline with their sports, there is a smorgasbord of extreme sports that can satiate your hunger for thrill and adventure. Whether it's the daring jumps in freestyle motocross, the sheer speed of downhill mountain biking, or the stupefying spins of professional skateboarding, extreme sports push the human body to its limits. Just remember to strap on your safety gears!
Sport for Spirit and Body
Not all sports require you to duke it out against an opponent. Some, like yoga, taichi or pilates — traditionally considered for nurturing the spirit and body rather than competitive play — can be seen as sports. They increase flexibility, improve breath control, and maintain body balance. I remember when Marla insisted I join her during morning yoga. While I may have been reluctant at first, I must admit: it did rejuvenate me!
Endgame: Inclusion is Key
From the lively streets to serene parks, from the digital world to the comfort of our homes, sports are pervasive. They are deeply etched into our cultures, societies, and traditions, binding us together beyond boundaries. Different sports cater to different needs and there is no iron-clad rule on how to differentiate one from another. It's all about inclusion and not exclusion. So, whether you're a super dad trying to answer his kid's intriguing questions or just searching 'how many sports are there?', remember - there's no unique answer. Have a ball and dive into the vast ocean of sports or maybe... just start counting!