Why People Need Sports

By Josh Bell 

The sports world is a very complex one. It’s more than loud cheers and cold beers. It gives both hope and despair. People live, breathe and die for sports. It becomes their life. Some people need sports, just like some need a hobby. Having a favourite team, watching games, and cheering them on, can be a way of life.

Obviously, sports are not an actual necessity. I am not comparing the sporting world to air or water – although some people definitely would. All I am saying is that sports provide something unique. Whether you are playing or watching, you always look forward to the minute the game starts (unless you are one of those young kids who are playing a sport you are being forced to play), until about an hour after the game when the adrenaline has run out. It's their adrenaline that's unique. It’s that rush you get when you watch a good run in football, a great save in hockey, a smash hit in baseball, or even a perfect putt in golf. It gives something in life that is just different; it’s a strange feeling that if these people can do it, maybe I can too. There’s hope: it makes people believe in themselves. Maybe not for becoming a professional athlete, but doing anything they want.

Sports bring people together as well. For example, a "guys night" filled with the Superbowl, beer, chips, wings, pizza and probably more obesity-threatening foods will guarantee the guys will have a good night. When a kid plays a sport, the family comes to watch and there’s a special bond that can never be broken simply because your family was there, and cheered you on through the wins and losses. That is big in any child’s life. When they get the game-winning goal and look into the bleachers and see their family beaming and cheering them on; that is this biggest confidence boost you could ever imagine. It’s another sign of hope, because no matter what, your family just showed they believe in you. Kids will take that and hold it for the rest of their lives.

Let’s not forget another great aspect of sports: the exercise. People need it, and not everyone enjoys working out at the gym. But if they start playing squash, racquetball, or even shooting hoops every now and then, that will enrich their lives and make them feel better about themselves just because they are being active. Joining an adult baseball team, or even a beer league, (politically correct term would be "gentleman’s league") can provide that team spirit and exercise. Playing a sport, whether it's pick-up or in a league, is a great way to stay in shape and gives a self-confidence boost that not many other things give.

The final reason that this writer will address, that sports are needed in people’s lives is: team spirit. Why is it important? When you are a shy kid and you are introduced to the loud, almost obnoxious sound, of a field or a rink, you start to put that shyness behind you and focus more on the sport. Soon enough, the child is outgoing and isn’t afraid anymore. This is highly incorporated with the team, because they are usually the obnoxious part, and the loudness is the fans cheering the team on. That is a great feeling. As you grow up, you find out how important team connections are. You make friends, and sometimes you might even make enemies. But mainly, you are earning life experience on those fields, and in the dressing rooms. You are taking memories with you forever. Even cheering for a sport, you feel that group-mentality of being a fan, and let me tell you, that gets a hold of you sometimes. It’s a great feeling. I think it is a healthy thing to have.

Will people die without sports? Some would argue yes, maybe even myself included, but the truth is no. However, when people go for the "pursuit of happiness," I would highly recommend they check out a sport. It doesn’t matter which one. Not only will they feel better about themselves if they play, but when they watch they could be creating those everlasting bonds of family and friendship. Do people need sports in their lives? Yes.