What is Sport?

Description of the tool

When we think of the word "sport", what images come to our mind? Very often the word "sport" makes us think of traditional activities such as football or basketball. Sometimes we think of unique activities (e.g. windsurfing, judo) if we happen to be involved. But what in fact is "sport"? Is there any difference between a "sport" and a "sportive activity"? Are some sports "better" than others? Is it possible to say where the borders of sport begin and end?

To start the exercise, participants are divided into four small groups. Each group rotates through a series of four stations; each station has its own unique "activity" (try to pick activities with some elements of controversy - examples like fishing and Formula 1 are good for debate). The groups' task is to discuss whether this activity can be considered a sport. They must give reasons why or why not. After approximately 10 minutes of discussion, the group must take a final vote: Is it a sport - yes or no?

After completing all four stations, the groups return to the plenary for a debriefing. This is done in four steps:
Step 1 - tallying the votes. Participants are shortly given a chance to react on the outcome.
Step 2 - as a result of the small-group discussion and the voting, each participant is asked to make their own personal list of elements which they feel need to be present for an activity to be accurately considered a "sport".
Step 3 - a definition of sport is presented to the group. Keeping in mind the list of elements, the participants react to the definition, first in small buzz groups and then in the plenary.
Step 4 - An alternative defintion is presented to the group. Is this alternative more favourable? Why or why not?

At the end of Step 4, it is important to stress that the definition of sport is different in every single dictionary. However, definitions are not key; perceptions are. The way we as youth workers perceive sport will determine our educational approach to it and, ultimately, how successful we are in involving more young peope in sport and sport activities. This exercise shows that the world of sport is much larger than we may be aware of. There are so many activities which combine the important elements. We have many more tools in our arsenal than we may previously have thought.