In the game of life, winning is everything. Once upon a time there was an implied set of values associated with the word sport that included learning to be a good loser and how to win graciously. It does not have to be like this. Last summer I attended a sports event in the Republic of Ireland. The National Sport is Hurling.
Many people play the game.
It is an honour to play for the County team, an honour that is not accompanied by a pay check. The honour to represent ones county is enough. The underlying message that I render from this example is that the Irish appear to have a healthier attitude toward the role of sport in their society. Many of the fans attending the match had travelled considerable distances. When entering the arena fans segregated themselves at either end of the stadium.