Sport(s) in the USA

Sport Page # 1

My first experience with sports in the US was approximately two and a half years ago, when I made the decision of leaving my beautiful island of Puerto Rico, and explore the wonders of college life in the United States. Even though, Puerto Rico is a US territory and many games are televised and talked about on TV, the real deal felt surreal once on North American land. I learned that sports like Basketball, (American) Football, baseball, and hockey were and still are four of the most important sports that bring the American society together. In order for these sports to be the most popular, I believe they are sports with extreme competitiveness and excitement. These sports all share the characteristic of bringing people together as one. A perfect example of this is game day and what traditionally is done during these special days in which teams compete against each other and only one can win. Usually, people get together hours before a game and rally up to go see their favorite team. This typical 'game day' apart from rallying up fans, is a way of supporting a favorite team or school that you attended and are proud of forming part of. The values reinforced on 'game day' are pride for your team or your school and a display of leadership and teamwork. In US sport success is measured by winning championships, winning in the division a team is part of, and consistantly winning over years instead of just one year. In order for teams to win athletes should have certain characteristics that will help them succeed. Such as: They must be athletic, and if he/she is a professional athlete he/she should have a bigger contract than athletes who are not as successful. They should be deemed successful if they win many championships or medals. Sports in the US should have athletes who share sportsmanships and play on the same level playing field without using illegal substances. They are exciting to watch and show children how to play a sport in the correct way.

Neira Ortiz-Ruiz