Cheerleading: A sport or an activity
In this article about Cheerleading, the author defines a sport as : “a physical activity that requires its participants to be healthy and physically able, strong, and skilled”. I think this is too specific and focused on physical ability. This definition discriminates against those who are disabled and still participate in sports. According to this definition, the Special Olympics would not be considered sports. I think this is insensitive to those who are somewhat able and try very hard at what they do. Her definition better fits a word like a “fully-functioning sport”, not just a sport in general.
I personally think that cheer leading should be considered a sport because it is offered in almost all schools and has become more competitive over the years. Cheerleaders practice religiously just as other sports do and also require good physical condition.As for the definition itself, there is a little fine tuning to be done. Perhaps a more broad definition such as : a physical activity in which one participates in competition with others. That is not a perfect definition, but it does leave room for those who cannot perform all the same tasks as fully-able athletes.
Nothing personal, but this discussion doesn’t spark my interest too much and therefore I don’t have much to say about it.
BRING IT ON–Again?