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The evolution of sports in the modern world is an interesting one. In the
past, men took up spears to hunt animals for food. He who could use the spear
most expertly would usually bring home a bigger supply
of food. Nowadays, men take up spears only in sports, in what we now
call 'javelin throwing'. What used to be essential skills in survival, such as
running, shooting and jumping, are now skills that are tested primarily in the
sports arena. Man no longer has to aim well to shoot at a deer grazing in the
grassland or jump over difficult terrain in pursuit of his prey. What he does
have to do now is to prove to others that he can shoot further or more
accurately than the other competitors, or outrun his opponents in a race. The
pursuit of excellence in sports has become the desire and purpose of every true
sportsman today. Sportsmen have to be armed with an indomitable spirit of
determination and discipline in order to reach heights ordinary men can only
dream of. Carl Lewis, one of the world's fastest men, ran the 100-meter race
under ten seconds. Michael Jordan outjumped and outscored his opponents in many
basketball matches in the United Sates. Michael Owen captured the hearts of
millions of fans when he outsmarted the opposing team to dribble and kick home a
crucial goal during the 1998 World Cup. These sportsmen lay claims to glory
through their amazing feats in the sports they play and excel in. However,
what significance does sports hold for the ordinary people -- people who cannot
perform extraordinary feats like the above-mentioned sports icons of modern
times ? Thankfully, sports exist for another very vital reason. They
promote health. When we engage in a sport,
whether it is cycling, swimming, playing football or tennis, it helps to build
up our physical as well as mental strength.
When the body is strong, it means that we are able to fight off infections or
illnesses, such as cold or fever, better and faster than someone who is not
physically healthy. Sports also help to
build up our mental strength. Engaging in any type of sports demands focus. One
would not want to cycle right into the drain or be hit by a tennis ball coming
right at you. Similarly, we need discipline to complete the various exercises.
it takes time and effort to train to play basketball or to complete a long
distance run. Hence, sports have become an integral part of our lives and it
is no wonder that the Singapore Government is trying to encourage a nation of
healthy living by promoting sports. |
