Sports Philosophy

Winning can be defined as the science of being totally prepared.

Sport is one area where no participant is worried about another’s race, religion or wealth: and where the only concern is ‘Have you come to play?’

Citius, altius, fortius. (Swifter, Higher, Stronger)

In viewing the three quotes above, we can detect some important aspects of sports philosophy. In an age of increasing teen drug use, pregnancy and crime, philosophers, sociologists, psychologists and sports providers have begun to recognize the significance of sports for building character, self-esteem, ethics and a sense of community among the young. The engaging in athletic activities not only promotes the above, but it helps promote the development of a sound body. Sports also provides young children positive role models, without which many of them turn to gangs, drugs and other pursuits that are self-destructive as much as they are socially destructive. In viewing the above three quotes, we see three main concepts or philosophies underlying participation in sports. The first quote argues that being prepared is often equated to winning. This also applies to life outside the sports environment. The second quote suggests that sports is blind to the differences that normally stratify and separate society. Thus, the all-encompassing and accepting nature of

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, despite traditional thinking to the contrary, not everything. Instead, they focus on the philosophy and values of sports and how it is an excellent way to promote self-esteem and community among individuals. The NYSCA recently opened a Long Island chapter in Floral Park. The Floral Park Youth Sports Council teaches coaches to place more emphasis on this type of philosophy instead of promoting the single-minded determination to win at all costs. The organization has not only been good for bringing together teens who often have no other kinds of positive activities in which to involve themselves in the community, but it has also promoted family bonding. In today’s world, many children come from homes where a single parent works or where both parents work. It leaves little time for bonding in a positive manner and the Florida Park chapter promotes events the encourage families to participate over a two to three day period. The training of the coaches focuses on promoting the philosophy of real sports and diminishes the importance of winning versus losing, “It’s a place where they can all get together and get to know one another. It keeps the off the street….The coaches training involves both technical aspects of sports and
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 3223
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page)

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