The term sports can refer to any activity where the participants compete for a particular prize or award. This definition is often broader than what most people think, however, and is usually a bit more vague. According to Michael Brown, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, the term “sport” includes all physical exercises that involve competition. This includes track and field competitions, gymnastics, ice events, golf, archery, and markmanship.
Sport was first practiced in ancient China 2000 BC, and is believed to have originated in the ancient world. The Chinese had a rich history of sport, including gymnastics, and they may have been the first to use iron bars. In ancient Egypt, sports were common and developed as the Pharaohs fought for supremacy. These ancient Egyptian games included javelin throwing, high jump, wrestling, and other events. In the Ancient Persian Empire, there was the Zoorkhaneh martial art, which involved many contestants. In the modern world, motorised sports have emerged as popular forms of recreation.
In colonial Maryland and Virginia, sports attracted a great deal of attention. In England, only landowners were allowed to hunt game. In America, game was plentiful and everyone, including slaves and servants, was able to enjoy the sport. The activity was not socially exclusive. In 1691, Sir Francis Nicholson organized competitions for better Virginians. These events involved spectators of all social classes and races.