I don't do much in the way of sport. I took my kayak out for a paddle the other day. But these two statements are unrelated, aren't they?
It's a question of exactly what constitutes sport. Yes, I know kayaking is an Olympic sport as Ken Wallace would certainly point out, with a gold medal hanging around his neck. But kayaking on Sydney Harbour, pottering around the anchored and ill-used cruisers, is hardly what I would call sport in its truest form.
Invariably when we read of figures of Australia's greatest participant sport, towards the top of the tree comes fishing. Fishing??!! Yes, apparently so.
I enjoy listening to a segment on James Valentine's ABC 702, entitled 'The Forgotton Sports'. Last week, it was about cheerleading, where the world championships attract around 19,000 competitors. The week before, pole-dancing was featured. Yes, both are sports, so we're told.
This morning on radio, a discussion ensued about chess, also in the sports category,
prompting some interesting observations.
One caller suggested a contest becomes a sport when one is competing against one self or against another. Mmm.. like cards? Another suggested it was when one was forced to sweat. Like in 40 degrees at the beach?? Or when it resulted in an increased heart rate. As in sex???
Clearly, it's not easy to find the definitive description of sport. Commonsense, however, tells me pursuits like fishing, pole-dancing, cheer-leadering and chess should be categorised as past-times, pleasures or whatever. But, please, let's not one day hear their supporters advocating inclusion in the Olympics for any of them.
As for kayaking, well I'll accept that one if it means my leisurely paddle makes me a sportsman.
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