[Carlee10]

Wow. I didn't know there were so many sides to the issue. Somehow, I just automatically assumed everyone shared the same opinion on this.......that was stupid of me. I consider FIRST to be an "alternative sport". It is similar to a sport in many ways except for, it seems in this thread, is the lack of physical exertion. which I can understand, but as we all know, we aren't all built like Shaq or Lance Armstrong. There also probably just as many rules in basketball or football as there are in FIRST. On the other hand, if we have to be recognized as a "sport" by schools to get funding and other things(like respect...), no I don't want FIRST to be considered a sport for dignity's sake. I myself don't especially care either way(which is why I didn't vote ;mine would've been in-between), but it's interesting to read everybody else's comments. I also like what Ike had to say:

"On a side note: Please be careful devaluing "Sports" as having no positive impact. If more people participated in more physical activity, there would be a huge benefit to national Health. While the sport is merely there for "Entertainment" these entertainers are indirectly responsible for many jobs including engineers and construction crews building stadiums, and broadcasters presenting this entertainment. All of these things have significant value to the global economy and the quality of life. This entertainment has also given many students that are economically challenged a way to get a college education."

That's a good point. A very good point indeed.

My point being, overall, that if we want the respect we should get, I think we should be considered a sport. If we want to nitpick, we're kind of a sport, but actually more different, with sport-like qualities.

I hope this all makes sense. I had a lot of random thoughts reading this thread. All considered things aside, I still love FIRST, so none of it really makes a difference.