The
Olympics are over and I would like to ask why we call them the Olympic
Games when they are about sports. Can you please explain in more
detail the difference between sport and game?
Sports
are activities which require physical effort and ability and some
degree of mental skill usually. They are often organised competitively,
played outdoors and with a ball, although not necessarily. Thus:
rugby
cricket
football
basketball
hockey
baseball
netball
tennis
table
tennis
squash
badminton
volleyball
golf
motor
racing
cycling
skiing
running
swimming
However,
we talk about games when two teams or individuals meet to play
against each other. (So, for this reason, they are called the Olympic
Games.) Compare the following:
'Do you fancy a game of golf this afternoon?'
The game (or match for most ball games) between
Manchester United and Liverpool had to be abandoned at half time.
The pitch was waterlogged.'
'Cricket is my favourite sport. I spend all weekend
every weekend either watching it or playing it in summer.'
Games
are also activities involving skill, knowledge or chance in which
you try to win against an opponent or solve puzzles. Thus, we have
'word games', 'card games', 'computer games' and games like chess,
backgammon, dominoes, darts, snooker, mahjong and Monopoly. For games
like these, not so much, if any, physical ability or skill is needed.
