Nowadays, numerous international sports taking place in many countries and broadcast globally on television. While some regard them as a primary motivation for individuals to engage in physical activity, another school of thought states that there are other effective ways to promote regular exercise. Personally, I support the latter view.
On the one hand, watching sports events on TV can encourage people to become more physically active. What people see their idols or role models, who might won a world-class trophies or medals, they are more likely to get inspired by their achievements and follow in their footsteps. This is mainly because such sports events as Olympic Games and Football World Cup can spread sporty atmosphere, fostering a sense of enthusiasm and a desire among viewers to participate in sports on a regular basis.
These arguments notwithstanding, I remain convinced that sports events are not the sole driving force. Making sports facilities more accessible can be one of the most effective steps to promote greater participation in sports. Once opportunities to play are readily available, public interest might grow naturally, leading people to feel an irresistible urge to take part in physical activities. The abundance of basketball courts in the USA and football pitches in Brazil can serve as a perfect example, as both countries have achieved global success in these sports, thanks to their widespread accessibility.
What is perhaps even more motivating is actually the environment itself. In fact, people themselves are one of the most powerful sources of inspiration. Seeing others engage in an activity frequently encourages us to do the same. For example, observing peers feeling excited about swimming can inspire a child to take up swimming, not out of necessity, but for the sake of social acceptance. As such, peer pressure or the surrounding environment can be highly beneficial, especially in terms of habit formation.
In conclusion, worldwide sporting events are excellent sources of motivation to drive people to exercise, but their impact is limited due to their infrequency, happening only once every four to five years. Therefore, regular and easy access to sports amenities and a supportive environment should not be neglected, I assert.