Coming into this course I was unsure about the types of topics we would discuss and how in depth we would get into them. One of my favorite things about this class is how we get into discussions as a class and how opinionated it is. This type of learning has led to alot of new insight on topics to me that I had never thought of before. The subject matter in this course really challenged me to think and analyze situations. I also enjoyed the topics because some of them I had not been exposed to yet. The game of cricket was very interesting to me and it is something that I hope to get to attend one day. I also enjoyed studying how sport can impact a country on a global level and bring it together. The rugby world cup story in South Africa really showed a good example of this.
Another favorite part of the class was having guest speakers come in. I really had a good time listening to the effect of hooliganism in Europe from Dr. Meek. He was a very interesting guy and really left a lasting mark on the class with his presentation and personal experience with soccer fans fighting for their favorite clubs.Another favorite of mine was listening to the presentation on Octagon. I thought it was an eye opening experience to a professional field in which I hadn't looked into before. Working for an agency like that in the golf department would be a dream of mine.
This class was one of my favorite classes this semester and I really had my eyes opened to sport on a global level. The presentations and examples from speakers brought in really mad it an enjoyable experience. I think classes like these are important in the United States because as Americans we can be narrow minded when it comes to sports. An example of this is that America is obsessed with football. We don't realize that soccer(futbol) is the most popular sport in the world. I would say that without a doubt my favorite class discussions were on the topic of soccer. In all, I will miss this class and the experiences I had in it.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Tiger Woods
The topic of Tiger Woods is something that I enjoy talking about because I too am a golfer. As I have mentioned in my intro, I have aspirations of going into the golf intensity someday. First and foremost I want to address the situations where the public learned of the trouble tiger had gotten into. I do not agree at all with what tiger did and because of this I have lost alot of respect for him. I was never a huge fan before the incident however so after we learned who the real tiger was, I was extremely disappointed.
When it comes to being a player however, I have a great deal of respect for the man. No golfer has ever been marketed the way he has or had a bigger impact on the game of golf in the last 20 years. When he is on a golf course you can expect him to make unbelievable shot after unbelievable shot. One of my favorite things about tiger woods is his intensity for the sport. Hiss passion and drive for the sport are what has led him to be one of the most successful golfers of all time.
I believe that in time he will eventually break Jack Nicklaus's record but the only way he will do that is if he is able to block out all of the negative events from the past and focus on the game of golf.
When it comes to being a player however, I have a great deal of respect for the man. No golfer has ever been marketed the way he has or had a bigger impact on the game of golf in the last 20 years. When he is on a golf course you can expect him to make unbelievable shot after unbelievable shot. One of my favorite things about tiger woods is his intensity for the sport. Hiss passion and drive for the sport are what has led him to be one of the most successful golfers of all time.
I believe that in time he will eventually break Jack Nicklaus's record but the only way he will do that is if he is able to block out all of the negative events from the past and focus on the game of golf.
Paralympics
When we discussed the paralympics in class I had no idea how in depth we would get on the subject. I had volunteered in high school selling tickets at a paralympic event but have never experienced watching the athletic events in person. I was moved by the perseverance that these athletes went through and was also inspired by their stories. I had seen the video shown in class of the paralympic volleyball while i was in Dr. Spencers sport history and philosophy class. I was impressed at the the intensity of the sport as well. I think its great that these sports are being shown.
While these sports are covered by the media, I still feel that the coverage is still nothing close to what it could be. I believe this is due to the fact that in our society, people without limbs or that seem different is still a taboo. I believe that this will continue to take place unless there is a movement where athletes and members of the paralympic committee come forth and demand the same coverage on national television stations. Spreading the word on this matter will increase awareness and make people take notice.
Overall I enjoyed this class and found all of the different stories very motivational and inspiring. I also liked the fact that these athletes did not want anyone to feel sorry for them. It shows their mental toughness and love for the sport.
While these sports are covered by the media, I still feel that the coverage is still nothing close to what it could be. I believe this is due to the fact that in our society, people without limbs or that seem different is still a taboo. I believe that this will continue to take place unless there is a movement where athletes and members of the paralympic committee come forth and demand the same coverage on national television stations. Spreading the word on this matter will increase awareness and make people take notice.
Overall I enjoyed this class and found all of the different stories very motivational and inspiring. I also liked the fact that these athletes did not want anyone to feel sorry for them. It shows their mental toughness and love for the sport.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)