Different kinds of Sports play an important role in American society. These sports are the vehicles for transmitting values such as fair play, team work and justice. Sports have contributed to social and racial integration and over history, they have been a ‘social glue’ bonding the whole America together.
Let’s check out what is the top 5 most popular sports in America?
5. Soccer
USA is one of
those very few countries where soccer is not at the top in sense of popularity.
In terms of viewership, soccer is regarded as the most popular sports in the
world. However, soccer is gaining popularity in the school based programs while
about 340,000 girls and 380,000 boys participated in this game during 2008 as
per the US census.
Famous US soccer players: Alexi Lalas, Thomas Florie, Cobi Jones, Tim Howard.
4. Ice Hockey
Ice-hockey is mostly popular in the areas of North America, which is in northern parts of America and Canada. The National Hockey League (NHL) is the highest level in men’s hockey and is the most popular game in North America. USA won its first gold medal in winter Olympics 1980, in ice-hockey. It was the greatest success of the American ice hockey teams. The win is remarkable that it is referred to “Miracle on Ice”, as it was a win over the mighty Soviet Union.
Famous US ice-hockey players: Tommy Williams, Jeff Norton, Darren Turcotte, Craig Janney
3. Basketball
All basketball competitions in America are organized under National Basketball Association (NBA). There are so many world renowned NBA basketball teams in all around USA. US basketball is responsible for the selection and training of the men’s and the women’s team. The USA basketball team used to participate in FIBA Basketball World Cup, Games of the Olympiad and men’s and women’s qualifiers.
Famous US basketball players: Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Kobe Bryant
2. Baseball
In America, baseball is called the game of national pastime. There are two levels of baseball competition in America which is:
1. Minor League Baseball
2. Major League Baseball (MLB)
Baseball can be played well by people of average height and weight. For this reason, the game is called a “democratic Game”. The game is played at a number of amateur levels, from the high school to college. During the spring and summer, there will be a baseball game going on almost every corner of America.
Famous US baseball players: Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, Lou Gehrig
1. American Football
American Football is the most popular and most watched sport of all the other sports. The biggest competition of American football is organized by National Football League (NFL). American football is more popular in southern parts of USA, like Texas, California and Florida.
The Americans are not just watching the football at homes. They are coming by thousands to watch the game on football stadiums. In 2012, the NFL had an average attendance of 67,604 at each game of football, which is more than any other sports event in the world.
Famous NFL players: Reggie White, Don Hutson, Johnny Unitas, Walter Payton, Jerry Rice
NUR SYAKIRAH BINTI KHAIRUDIN
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