Why do countless people all over the world spend a great part of their lives watching and supporting sports? Is there some sort of addiction involved? Are they "brain-washed"? Are we watching it because there is nothing else to do with our time? Is it only a habit? Is it everything else that are associated with watching sports, such as the alcohol, noise, food, and the people? Is it the spirit and atmosphere? Is it the adrenalin?
The Sports-Man is sure that most of the above-mentioned play a part in why we love watching our favourite sports. Some of them are less attractive reasons why a person follows sport and that is probably why some of us are called "sports junkies" by friends and loved ones. (mostly wives and girlfriends!)
Yes, "sport junkies" and fanatical sports supporters are often difficult to live with and befriend, unless you are one too. However, as a sports enthusiast myself (notice the absence of the words "fanatic and junkie"), I can fully understand why people get sucked into the hype, the crazy atmosphere, the dress-ups, the supporters clubs and get-togethers' before, during, and after the game!
The Sports-Man does feel that the purist of the pure supporters participated in sport (or are still actively playing sport), but not only socially, but at a higher level. (1st Club Team, Provincial, etc.) I am not saying for one moment that if you did not really excel in sport that you do not possess incredible knowledge or cannot be a top supporter. Many great coaches, managers, sports broadcasters and critics have first-class sports knowledge and are excellent supporters of the game they love, but they never accomplished anything when they played themselves.
However, the distinction I want to make is that you will usually not see an ex-provincial/international cricket, rugby, or soccer player, for example, sitting in the crowds supporting their favourite team dressed up as the supporters in some of these pictures! These supporters border on the "fanatical sports junkies" I referred to earlier. Nothing wrong with that, because sport need these fanatics - they are regularly responsible for the spirit and atmosphere at the stadium and social gathering, where we enjoy watching sport.
In the end, sport has remained one of the most popular attractions over many years and in the professional era, it has only become bigger and better, and more is now at stake as well. (for players, coaches, and supporters alike!) Every single supporter pays for his or her ticket, drink, food, Satellite TV, and supporters jersey during every new season, each year. We are the reason millions are spent on advertisements by major companies during huge sporting events! Many industries and businesses make billions each year because we are as enthusiastic, fanatic, or crazy about watching sport as we are!
Share your views with us - let us know what type of supporter you are? Enthusiastic, fanatic, or crazy, and why?
