[at-l] Sport (or not!)

[jbullar1 at twcny.rr.com (Jim Bullard)]

I'd define hiking/backpacking as recreation rather than sport.

At 09:28 PM 4/18/2004 -0400, James Lynch wrote:
>ok, new thread.  I note that OB refers to "our sport".  I open the 
>discussion as to whether hiking, backpacking (thru-hiking) is a 'sport' or 
>something else.
>   The dictionary (Encarta) defines sport as (first defintion):
>1. competitive physical activity: an individual or group competitive 
>activity involving physical exertion or skill, governed by rules, and 
>sometimes engaged in professionally ( often used in the plural )
>Hiking: very few rules.
>Backpacking: ditto.
>Thru-hiking: very few rules unless you want a patch (NFP).
>
>I sort of prefer the second definition which reads as follows:
>2. pastime: an active pastime participated in for pleasure or exercise
>
>The seminal difference to me is the first embodies competition, and the 
>second does not.  Hiking, backpacking, etc. do not (should not?) involve 
>competition.  (How would you keep score?) :)
>
>Anyone else have any thoughts?
>
>Orange Bug wrote:
>
>>Congrats to Ma & Pa for their hike, brief report and
>>introduction of others to our sport.  Ditto to Chase
>>for perfecting Trail Cake and other breads.
>
>
>
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