Sport (or sporting) is any forms of regularly organized, usually competitive physical contact sport that, through organised or casual participation, attempt to utilize, develop or improve specific physical ability and skills, usually providing entertainment for participants, and occasionally, spectators. This may also include activities such as swimming, climbing, skiing, athletics and rugby. Most forms of sports are performed for fun or for gaining a competitive advantage, but some have social or communal value as well. In most countries, there is a national sport or team’s league; the most famous of these being football.

There are many governing bodies of professional sports. In the US, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) governs college athletic affairs, including its athletic programs and the certification of its members. The NCAA’s Board of Directors, and the National Federation of Professional Athletes (NFPA) both govern American collegiate and professional athletics. There are other governing bodies outside of the US that provide guidelines and standards for athletic activities and competitions. These bodies are the International Olympic Committee for Sport (IOCS) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

There are many different kinds of sport. The most popular are competitive athletics such as track and field, softball, baseball, swimming and tennis. Other types of popular sports are motor sports, motor vehicle racing, rugby and mixed martial arts fighting. In general, though, whatever kind of physical activity participants are engaged in, they are engaged in sportive activity.

Sports have many purposes and effects. They are not just for fun but are also an important physical activity for building body strength and improving mental abilities. There are many different levels and types of competition involved in modern sport, from professional sports like ice hockey and football to recreational sports like handball, beach volleyball, figure skating and basketball. In addition, most people participate in mind sports such as chess, puzzles, reading books or playing video games. There is even some debate among experts about whether certain sports promote brain power more than others.

The importance of sports to society cannot be denied. Most countries, including the United States, make it a point to have annual competitions in various sports events. They try to ensure fair competition among teams and athletes from different regions. For example, the US Open Chess Championship is an example of an international sports competition, in which the players compete not only for the championship title but also for the right to represent the country in international tournaments. International sports days are also celebrated with great fanfare and excitement, sometimes culminating in a grand event like the Olympic Games. Such celebrations give the public an opportunity to watch and follow the athletes and teams as they compete for glory and distinction.

A very important thing about sports and their role in society is that they encourage mental fitness. This is because, unlike physical fitness, the mind is able to cope with all sorts of challenges and is capable of making quick decisions under difficult circumstances. For this reason, it is very important that children, especially adolescents, are encouraged to participate in sports as early as possible. Sports can improve mental fitness and give adolescents a sense of achievement and purpose in life. Even professional sports players need to undergo training and keep their bodies in good shape to stay in prime health.