Socializing through Sports
Who says sports always has to be a competition? Who says it always has to be played outdoors? Surely, competitive sports have an equivalent for people who have discovered socializing through sports.
Sports
Sports include all forms of competitive physical activity which involves at least two participants to teams composed of several players either in an organized or casual set-up. Sports activities are usually engaged in for development of physical ability as well as entertainment. It is a common perception that all sports are strenuous, competitive, and done outdoors.
This perception is probably brought about by the popularity of competitive outdoor sports such as soccer, football, and baseball, among many others. Many people who are not exactly keen on competition and the outdoor environment may be discouraged by this. There are however many sports activities that can be played indoors and purely for social interaction, thereby doing away with the factors that are serving to alienate non-athletic people.
Reasons for Engaging in Sports
It is quite interesting to note that the word sport comes from an old French word that means leisure. Its earliest English definition refers to sports as anything amusing or entertaining to humans. Its synonyms include recreation and diversion. By this history, we can surmise that sports was not originally intended for competition and was in fact considered primarily as a leisurely activity. Today’s meaning however of sports tends to indicate competition as the defining element of sports.
Aside from entertainment and competition, engaging in sports is also considered a healthy activity. Medical doctors typically advise their patients to take up any sport to address the needs of the body for regular physical activity aside from work which is usually stressful. Sports is now also seen as a social activity that seeks to promote interaction between small groups of people minus the competition.
Indoor Sports as a Social Activity
Outdoor sports involving big groups and a big audience cannot help but have a competitive edge to them. Competition is part of the excitement and excitement is usually what an audience wants. For players who would tend to shy away from this kind of spectacle, the advantages of participating in sports activities can still be had in smaller groups and in indoor facilities.
The lack of competition in social sports encourage amateur sports enthusiasts to participate without much concern about winning or losing. Some can even be played inside the home. The intent is just to play the game and develop social relationships along the way. Participation in the activity provides physical, mental, and social benefits.
There are so many indoor sports activities to choose from depending on the strength which one seeks to develop. There are sports that primarily use the mind such as chess, sports that are mainly for development of coordination such as billiards, and those that are highly physical such as indoor netball. Bowling is an indoor sports activity that combines physical activity with coordination. Facilities that promote indoor sports activities are quite many and are able to accommodate sports that have been traditionally played outside such as soccer and football.
My Say
Engaging in the preferred sport offers an opportunity to meet like-minded people who are in the same level of interest in it. Participation is not hampered by the need to win but is encouraged by the satisfaction of gaining long-time friends. By socializing through indoor sports or outdoor sports for that matter, we are able to keep ourselves physically fit and socially connected and end up leading more satisfying lifestyles.
Archieviner
Socializing through sport is a great Idea. You can easily win people 🙂
Teresa Martinez
Yes, that is the other prize of participating in sports.
ralph
couldn’t agree more… engaging to sports you like is a good way to socialize, more, in a very healthy way. Yahweh bless.
Teresa Martinez
It is a way of socializing while keeping fit.
Adobotech
Its always great to have a time to socialize in person, and sports is really of things you can do this. We usually have a bowling event every month and a tournament once in a while in our community.
Teresa Martinez
People can really benefit from socializing through sports.
lovemindanao
sports makes my imagination into work and it is in fact a mind and physical exercise. tennis for one is a good and popular one here in Mindanao
Teresa Martinez
Never really thought of it that way but yes sports is both a physical and mental exercise.
Mi Esimos Boldios
After all the pressure, and competitive spirit its camaraderie that matters and learning from the experiences you had
Teresa Martinez
Too much of competition and nothing of camaraderie is just too stressful.
Chef Jasper
sports are like games. it’s not just about competition, it’s about being “social.”
Teresa Martinez
Right you are.
dimaks
Sports can be very useful too in building self confidence. So socialization comes easy afterwards.
Teresa Martinez
When one feels part of a group, socializing is a natural result.
bryanbancolo
Socializing through sport is really good do you share your thoughts while playing their is a bonding moment to build up relationship with each other
Teresa Martinez
Playing a sport or a game requires interaction among players and relationships are built from there.
Tess Chancellor
i like my kids to be in sports for socializing reason and and to gian friends aside from the health benefit .
Teresa Martinez
I like my kids to be in sports too primarily to gain more more friends.
Justin | Hari ng Lakbay
Socializing through sports is not far from socializing by traveling. It’s good to share your good practices with other people who have the same passion.
Teresa Martinez
Having similar passions make friendship formation easier.
Marri Bermudez
Not only can it make our mind and body work… it can be a great avenue to meet people with diverse personalities that may empowered yours as well… Meet new friends and influences that will improve your own self as a person. SPORTS is a rejuvenating activity that is worth engaging to.
Teresa Martinez
Sports can be a great way to meet like-minded people.
Donald Pagulong
I so believe with yout views. Been active in both indoor and outdoor activities ever since. These activities really aides me to throw away my shyness and made me believe in my skills.
Teresa Martinez
Sports can help us develop self confidence as we gain mastery of it, thereby making us more open to new friends and acquaintances.
Mommy Lexi
Although there are people who are innately competitive, I still think their main reason for joining sports is to socialize and gain friends.
Teresa Martinez
Friendship and socialization in sports create deeper bonds as relationships progress.
Jerwel Adrian
strangers can be friends after the friendly match like basketball or volleyball. I know since I always experience it.
Teresa Martinez
Friendship is easier developed this way when everyone is enjoying.
Michelle
Getting into sports is indeed healthy, not only for socializing, but also helps in dealing with life.
Teresa Martinez
Yes, there is much to be learned in playing, losing, winning, or just plain interacting.
Sky|Boundfortwo.com
True to its words, engaging in sports for leisure and not for competition. People have that tendency to be competitive even the game is only just for fun.
Teresa Martinez
Too much competitiveness can spoil the fun of sports.
Franc Ramon
Sports is such an excellent way to meet new people or hang out with existing friends to bond.
Teresa Martinez
I agree with you on that.
markpogi
This is one of the best ways to socialize. You get to exercise your body and mind as well. ^_^
Teresa Martinez
Agree on that point.
Nanardx Zee
I agree with most of your points here on my part most of the time I join sports activities to be with friends and sometimes to get to know other people as well.
Teresa Martinez
Sports can reveal an aspect of a person that is being hidden.
Ane
I’ve tried engaging in sports but it hates me. 😛 I’m probably the least sporty person you will ever meet in your lifetime. 😛 hehe
Good points on why one should engage in sports, but it’s just not for me, it really really hates me! 😛
Teresa Martinez
You seem quite sure that sports hate you.
dimaks23
Socialization through sports is effective because there is no distinct rules on formalities. Camaraderie just come naturally.
Teresa Martinez
That is quite right. Gaining great camaraderie is more than enough motivation to participate in sports.