Sport facts for kids

Association football is one of the most popular sports in the world.

A sport is commonly defined as an athletic activity that involves a degree of competition, such as netball or basketball. Some games and many kinds of racing are called sports. A professional at a sport is called an athlete. Many people play sports with their friends. They need coaches to teach or train teams or individuals how to do better. Sports can be played indoors or outdoors and by individuals or teams.

For children, sports play an extremely important part in their lives by providing all round development of the child, physically, mentally and emotionally. It also helps them to be fit and keep them healthy.

Some people like to watch other people play sports. Those who watch others playing sports are called fans. While some fans watch sports on television, others actually go to stadiums or other places where people pay to watch them in person. These fans are called spectators.

People engage in many kinds of sports, for example:

A shoulder throw at Judo rank graduation, Japan

Athletics
- Field athletics.
- Track athletics
  - Sprint
  - Middle distance race
  - Long distance race
  - Walking race
  - Hurdle race
  - Relay
  - Steeplechase (sport)
  - Cross-country race
  - Marathon
Acrobatics
Bodybuilding
Gymnastics
- Rhythmic gymnastics
Figure skating
Boxing
Fencing
Judo
Wrestling
Motor sports
Auto racing
Shooting
Diving
Golf
Rowing
Sailing (sport)
Surfing
Swimming
Bobsled
Skiing
- Freestyle skiing
- Ski jumping
Games
- Tennis
- Baseball
- Softball
- Basketball
- Badminton-game
- Cricket-game
- Association football
- American football
- Australian Football
- Canadian football
- Gaelic football
- Rugby league football
- Rugby union football
- Polo
- Volleyball
- Dance
- Colorguard
- Marching band
- Esports

Related pages

Images for kids

Sport in childhood. Association football, shown above, is a team sport which also provides opportunities to nurture physical fitness and social interaction skills.
The International Olympic Committee recognises some board games as sports including chess.
100m race record holder Usain Bolt (in yellow) and other runners, Moscow, 2013.
Roman bronze reduction of Myron's Discobolos, 2nd century AD.
Motorised sports have appeared since the advent of the modern age.
International level female athletes at ISTAF Berlin, 2006
A runner gives a friendly tap on the shoulder to a wheelchair racer during the Marathon International de Paris (Paris Marathon) in 2014.
Spectators at the 1906 unofficial Olympic Games
Women's volleyball team of a U.S. university.
These lights at the Melbourne Cricket Ground indicate the decision the third umpire makes following a review.