Game of Thrones or Sport of Kings?

[steepholm]

I just asked this on FB, but would be interested in opinions here too.

I've never understood why Formula 1 is classed as a sport. Or, if it is, why chess is not so classified, given that both are sedentary activities characterized by periods of sustained concentration. Or, it's a question of quick reactions as well as concentration, why are marathon sessions of Street Fighter 2 played from the comfort of one's sofa not seen as a sporting activity?

Is there a real distinction between sports and games (albeit with the possibility of an intersection between the two sets), or is just a question of historical happenstance which activity acquires which label?

Comments

[cmcmck]

Handling one of those cars is physically demanding- the bikes even more so.

[steepholm]

I wouldn't deny it - but I'm still curious as to why some physically demanding tasks are seen as sports and others not, even when there is an element of competition involved, rules, etc. (Say, a dancing competition.)

[cmcmck]

Well, morris dancing isn't a sport, but I have personal experience of how physically demanding it is! :o)