Why We Play Sports

When tragedies like what just happened in Paris and what happened in New York City in 2001 do happen, we question a lot of things.  I can remember after 9/11 there was debate whether sporting events should go on.

Games were cancelled. Plans were changed.  Respect was shown by those that played and those that didn't.

So among those things we question is one big one--Why do we even play sports?

It would seem that the time energy that we put into sports might be put to better use elsewhere.  The billions we spend on sports could feed the hungry and shelter the homeless everywhere.

I am of the opinion that sports are essential to our health and well-being. That we are much better off because of the games we play.  Why?

We play sports for the exercise.  You've heard me say it here before.  My kids always had to play something.  I cared less what it was than that it was something.

We know that active children become active adults.  And a huge portion of the health problems plaguing this country today are the result of inactive adults. 

Beyond that, I believe our bodies are made to move.  Our systems benefit from exercise-both mind and body.

We play sports for the competition.  For the thrill of victory.  To test ourselves against others. 

Competition, oh much maligned competition (think about t-ball games without keeping score), how important thou art.  Competition tells us more about ourselves.  It teaches us our strengths and weaknesses and lets us build better selves through that knowledge.

We play sports for the friends we make.  Maybe the best friends we will ever have.  There is something about being a part of a team that stays with us.  Working together toward a common goal is an enormous learning experience.

We play sports for the applause.  Go ahead and admit it.  The roar of the crowd or the praise of peers and parents is something we seek.  Maybe we even need it.

We play sports for those that can't.  For our parents, who maybe can't anymore.  For those that were never able to.  We play to entertain.  How else do we fill these huge stadiums?

We play sports for the beauty of movement.  We are made to run and jump and dance and move.  And yes, I would argue that we are meant to block and tackle and throw a ball through a hoop.  There is something inherently beautiful about a swing and a hit.  Or a nice throw.  Or simply running across a meadow.

Yes, we must play sports.