The Australian Open has just finished with Roger Federer winning over Marcus Baghdatis and what a fabulous match it was. Australian's are bagged for their love of sport but let me say if the world played more sport the world would be a happier place. Sport brings nationalities together in the best possible way. We get our children involved in sport to keep them healthy, to have fun, to teach them team spirit and most of all, to wear them out so they have no energy for mischief. Sport is about having good, clean honest fun and getting out there under the sun. It is an equalizer and all can achieve. Different nationalities are just mates on the field and all differences are forgotten. The world needs more tennis, cricket, swimming, diving, hockey, soccer, baseball,golf,pole-vaulting, running, cycling, etc etc.
Do you agree??

I agree as long as some of the parents can keep their emotions OFF the playing field and let the children get on with it by themselves.

Sure I agree but whats this got to do with travelling in Europe?

Maybe Roger will get another cow from his canton?

But do tune into the Winter Olympics next month based around Turin and the World Cup (Association Football) in Germany this year.

Is Australia itching to get back the Rugby Football championships again?

Marvellous match!

surfandsand, yes I agree wholeheartedly with your thoughts.

Here in the UK most children in the state-educated sector only have 2 hours of PE/sport a week, if that. Sport here is generally fairly non-competitive - it's considered bad for a child's esteem if he gets beaten, etc, and all that New Labour c***. Team sports are reasonably ok, but individual sports not. Football, netball and rounders are about as far as it goes, although some secondary schools do go in for rugby, cricket and hockey. If a child wants to do well at a sport he/she has to do it outside of school.

Competition is natural, and I can't help feeling that because children aren't encouraged to be competitive in sport in school, they tend to be much more aggressive out of school, seeking some sort of challenge.

In the expensive private sector - (confusingly known as public schools) - the children take part in sport or PE every day. Here sport is taken seriously and is highly competitive. There are usually 2 matches each week against other schools and these are fiercely fought, yet after the players shake hands, give three cheers for good play, then they all go in for match tea afterwards, share tables and chat and laugh. The host team goes out after and waves off the visiting team. Parents are very supportive of their own children - and the team, but well-behaved, and good play is always applauded, even if it is the other side! Home team parents talk to visiting parents at match tea as well.

Regarding health I have to say I have noticed that there are very few overweight children in the private sector, and those who are tend to still be fairly fit because they do have to take part in active sports. Not many off-games notes from parents here because they are paying for the privilege. There is great team-spirit and the children learn so much from it all.

I want to say more, but I am feeling inarticulate, and anyway this is primarily a travel forum!

Watching a Swiss national play a Cyriot in Australia in front of a multicultural crowd gives me a thrill.
What has this to do with travel in Europe?? Well, nothing more than "what type of computer do you use" or a recipe for risotto - both, of which I have seen on this forum.
My point was that all nationalities can get on if they want to. I think we have to try harder and I think one of the ways to reach people is through sport. Music is another.

Sorry, that should read "Cypriot".

Yes the only problem is that all the prizes went to Europe, still I'm sure the Socceroos will balance the ledger at the World Cup!

Hi sunsurfsand. What a great name

I just posted on the French Open thread and just had to return serve.

Thank you very much 39Steps.
I like yours too!