Is FIRST a Sport

[Daniel Morse]

Originally Posted by GB330033

Personally, I wouldn't call FIRST a sport. Then again, I wouldn't call NASCAR a sport. It's not the term "sport" that I have a problem, but the associated term "athlete." I would in no way call those of us who participate in FIRST athletes, nor would I call NASCAR drivers athletes. Neither of the two take any real athletic ability, so why should they be called sports. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking FIRST, I just don't think it can be lumped in with football, basketball, baseball, soccer, etc. Those are sports. You have to be a real athlete to play them. FIRST, NASCAR, golf, bowling, etc, are not sports, as you do not have to be an athlete to participate. Though one could argue that FIRST is a sport via lexicon, it would most certainly not be considered one by the majority of society and the socially accepted definition of "sport." I believe a better term would be "competition." The same goes for NASCAR and the like, it is a competition, a game, not a sport.

Also, as a note, I would actually consider cheerleading a sport.

Actually, I must say that according to your definition you are correct in your analysis. FIRST is not a sport because it does not involve athletes. My point in my post was mainly to show that under a generalized definition of sports as competitions (e.g NASCAR), FIRST fits the requirements. Good thought on your part.