Question

In many parts of the world there is many continuous coverage sport on the tv. Some people believe that discourage the young from taking part at any type of sport. Discuss this view and give your opinion

Answer 1

Nowadays, in many different countries an always increasing number of television programs concern sport, providing an offering which extends during the whole day. This ubiquitous presence of sport on television makes some think that adolescents might be dissuaded from practicing sport activities themselves. In this essay, such a viewpoint will be discussed and the author’s opinion given.

It could probably be argued that massive sport broadcasting has negative impacts on young people, since, generally speaking, it often consists of professional matches which show highly talented players performing and bearing heavy physical and psychological pressure. This might discourage juvenile spectators from practicing sport, since they may found it too demanding for their own capabilities or consider themselves not skilled enough.

On the other hand, it cannot be denied that showing sport on television might lead to the opposite result, that is, it may fill the young public with a competitive spirit and passion, encouraging them to emulate their athletic idols, through hard practice and training. This is what happens, for example, in nations like Italy, France, Spain or Brazil, where a lot of children and teenagers start playing football dreaming to sign a contract with one of the major league teams one day.

Moreover, sociologists deem that granting visibility to sport on media – especially television – could actually spread a sporting consciousness, by showing that practicing sport is a completely positive, widely accepted and worthy of mention activity. This opinion seems to be confirmed by the evidence that in those nations where sport is well advertised, there is a remarkable percentage of people who keep an healthy lifestyle.

Overall, although some could say that too much emphasis on sport on television may convey the idea that unsustainable effort is require to actively practice sport, it is the author’s personal view that broadcasting sport matches and programs stimulate adolescents to follow their sporting heroes’ steps and adopt salutary habits, so it should not be obstructed.