By Koketso Mamabolo
There are three ideas around sport that seem to always capture the imagination. The first idea relates to the age-old concept of play. Here, the need to have fun, to explore possibilities, and enjoy the thrill of competition is seen as an intrinsic part of what makes us human. While we mostly associate it with children, even the greatest athletes on the biggest stages are merely participants in the never-ending search for fun.
The second describes the modern world, one where there are less wars over territory, less battles for nations to rally behind. Sport, in this instance, can be seen as a less brutal way of settling disputes where the stakes are much lower. In this idea, pride and glory can be obtained without lives being lost, without land being ravaged and whole nations being conquered.