Sport and Physical Activity in Australian Society

Sport and Physical Activity in Australian Society

Sport and Physical Activity in Australian Society

PDHPE


Part 1
Australian Sporting Identity

For many Australians, sport is more than just a hobby, but a way of life. Sport has the ability to unite a community, a state or even a country. As seen from the above photograph, Rugby League’s State of Origin series is an example of an event that promotes regional identity. There is great rivalry between both NSW and QLD and supporter loyalty is fiercely exhibited as seen from the above photograph. Even players are honoured when they get the opportunity to represent their state and their regional identity is showcased through the way they play the game. There is an abundance of aggression and players do whatever they can to make their region proud. Playing for your state is considered one of the biggest honours that a rugby league player can attain.
As individuals acquire success, their local communities receive recognition providing them with a sense of belonging and hope. For example, NSW winger Akuila Uate has given his Fijian community a sense of identity through his success in the sport.
As seen from the image, thousands of spectators flock to support their regional teams and great passion and enthusiasm is shown. Words to describe the atmosphere that commentator Ray Warren uses are “electric” and “passion driven”. At these popular matches, individuals identify with the teams they support and often find unity and a sense of identity with other fans. This can be extracted from the picture as all fans NSW fans are standing together, holding up the same banners, chanting the same things, wearing the same things and supporting the same team thus creating a sense or sporting identity.
Queenslanders currently have an identity of being the champions through achieving 8 State of Origin series in a row. This provides them with a sense of being a better status than NSW through its achievements. Queenslanders have bragging rights and NSW supporters are adamant...

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