Sports were largely secular during the Renaissance, and were often viewed as less meaningful than other forms of entertainment. Yet, they retained an aesthetic component. Educators such as John Amos Comenius, of the 17th century, began to promote physical education, and some of the elites of this period were particularly fond of dance and geometric patterns. During this period, the arts of ballet and fencing were created. Dancers trained horses to perform graceful movements and saber fencing drew the attention of Europeans during this period. In 1964, the sport became an Olympic sport.
Athletes’ emotions are a significant part of the sports experience. They reflect their evaluations of their performance, and how others view them. Some feelings are anticipated before a performance, while others are experienced during the game or afterward. In many cultures, emotions are codified in rules for the sport subculture. These rules provide guidelines for managing emotions and promoting appropriate behaviour during the national anthem or postgame celebration. This is particularly important in Western countries, where a sense of national identity is vital.
In modern society, the definition of sport has expanded beyond traditional sports. Whether it is golf, cheerleading, or dancing is considered a sport. Sports also include recreational activities such as fishing and dancing. Although these are leisure activities, they are often competitive in nature. In addition to being a form of entertainment, sports help to develop individuals’ competitive natures. The definition of a sport can vary widely, so many forms of entertainment are considered sports.
