Did you know that playing sport can help you have a healthy heart and lengthen your life? You probably already do. We all know how much sport can do wonders for your health. However, to point out the obvious would be to underestimate the incredible history behind the sport and the equally incredible values ​​that accompany it. For a change, let's think outside the box. Sports offer hands-on experience in teaching us values, especially sportsmanship, perseverance and teamwork. Exploring these values ​​in depth would pave the way towards a world with less cut-throat competition, less acceptance of failure and less personal interest in team goals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Sportsmanship is an underrated aspect of playing sports. Despite being assigned as each other's rivals, athletes learn to develop mutual respect and love the game itself rather than external rewards. A 2010 study by the Awards and Recognition Association (ARA) showed that 67 percent of Americans believe sports involvement and good sportsmanship can bring the community together. A notable example from the 2001 FIFA World Cup can also bring this belief to life. Instead of shooting towards the net left unattended by an injured Everton goalkeeper, West Ham's Paolo di Canio took the ball to tee up his opponent. This led to the crowd, made up of both West Ham and Everton fans, coming together to celebrate his actions. The issue of fair play does not die out with team sports. In the run-up to the 2016 Rio Olympics, the world witnessed the collision between New Zealander Nikki Hamblin and American Abbey D'Agostino during the 5,000 meter race. After recovering from the shock, they were moved to see the women helping each other to get up and run the rest of the race together. In a way, sports teaches us that love conquers all and reminds us that people can be remembered for their acts of kindness, not just their successes. Perseverance is one of the many advantages that athletes hone over time. Those who get back up after being hit by failure are more likely to succeed than those who remain face down on the floor after defeat. The Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies revealed that 43% of American high school student athletes tend to have greater self-confidence and self-respect, two characteristics needed to persevere against all odds. NBA player Jeremy Linn was left empty-handed in terms of sports scholarships and was waived by the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. It wasn't until he joined the New York Knicks and was added to a game out of sheer desperation that his career began to take off. The power of perseverance can combat even opponents who “play dirty”. Although he was a top ten UFC fighter, Michael Bisping was failing to challenge for a title and was facing losses to fighters who were later exposed for taking performance-enhancing drugs. Despite these setbacks, he managed to defeat Luke Rockhold for the UFC middleweight title. There has never been a success story in sports that didn't include at least some degree of perseverance. This growth mindset has pushed even the most inexperienced champions to gradually reach the top. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay Teamwork, whether in gym class or at IFAF World.