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Regardless of what the term was originally meant to describe, many individuals often have a difficult time agreeing on the true definition of the word “sport” and what exactly qualifies a competition as a sport. For some, there’s an aspect of physicality and athletic ability. For others, there’s the quality of an opponent against another specific opponent. However, there still doesn’t seem to be one definitive component upon which all people can agree to classify what exactly a sport must be.

Brandon Gaudin, Atlanta resident and play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Braves, said he believes that the term “sport” can be relative and flexible.

“By and large, I think the two main components of sports are physical exertion and competition,” he said.

Dallas resident Jess Ahlborn said the way she defines and understands the word stems from what she knew it to mean throughout her childhood and adolescent years.

“To me, ‘sport’ is not an all-encompassing word,” she said. “That probably has a lot to do with how I grew up. Every sport I played included an object we’d chase after (ball, puck, etc,) and a physical (human) defense. So, yes, maybe dating is a sport (probably another topic, but we can save that for another issue).”

For Dallas resident Bill Stier, the term “sport” carries a bit of a different definition, one that simply involves the competitive aspect and doesn’t require a great deal of fanfare.

“Sports, in my opinion, are anything anyone determines they want to compete in as a group, team, or individual,” he said. “However, not every sport needs to be on TV (or funded for schools).”

Much like Stier, Gaudin, who has also been the voice of the Madden football video games since 2017, said he does not think there needs to be only one specific opponent in a sports event.

“I think there can be multiple opponents in one competition—for example, a track and field event in which numerous individuals are competing for the same prize,” he said.

Dallas resident Jenny Schultz focuses more on the physical abilities required for an activity and also believes that a sport can involve multiple individuals competing against multiple other individuals.

“Moving your body in an athletic type of way with a specific purpose or outcome is the best way I know to describe sport,” she said. “I think you can have both a single opponent or multiple—gymnasts can compete in individual and team competitions, and it does not take away from the sport.”

And Schultz knows all too well what it’s like to be on the receiving end of someone claiming what she does is not classified as a sport. She chooses not to listen to the haters who are going to hate, hate, hate, though.

“I was a cheerleader for most of my life, and plenty of people considered it to not be a sport,” she said. “I would argue that I had just as much athletic ability as my friends playing tennis or basketball, though. We competed in competitions that were shown on ESPN, so I think that counts for something.”

Ahlborn pointed out that major universities refer to certain entities as athletic departments, not sports departments, and the teams and individuals represented are involved in a multitude of competitive activities—ball, defense, or not. She also said whether something is considered a sport or not doesn’t determine how much athletic ability is involved.

“The humans I’ve been most impressed by often don’t fall into my definition of ‘sport,’” she said. “However, you’ll see them setting world records in track and field, swimming, and other highly competitive activities. I do have an actual all-encompassing word for this, though—’athletics.’ Anyone competing in a physical endeavor that tests bodily strength, to me, is considered athletic.”

Schultz said she is under the impression that many activities considered more as forms of artistic expression than sports should, instead, also be credited not only for the required athletic ability uninvolved but also for the competitive aspect.

“I see debate involving sports that cross over into the arts quite often—for example, dance,” she said. “I think it is a sport because, even at the professional level, you might not be taking part in competitions, but you have to fight for your job or spot in a company.”

Stier said he believes one explanation as to why people can’t always agree on exactly how to define the word “sport” stems from reasons that are a bit more personal.

“Disagreements around sports come from a combination of what you are familiar with and grew up with and maybe have a little to do with what you can do well in,” he said.

Gaudin said disagreements tend to arise in gray areas, which is largely why there is often debate over what classifies a sport as a sport.

“Basketball, football, soccer, hockey (and the like) are easy to define as sport,” he said. “NASCAR becomes tougher. The competition element is there, but what about physical exertion? What about chess or eSports? My personal opinion is that NASCAR has enough of the characteristics of a sport to be one. Chess and eSports do not. They are just games or competitions. Some people will disagree.”

But Gaudin said what he believes—or what anyone else believes, for that matter—are simply opinions that don’t carry tremendous impacts on what makes a sport indeed a sport.

“At the end of the day, we are arguing over a definition,” he said. “Whether chess is or isn’t a sport does not change anything about the game of chess itself. So, really, I don’t see the need to get worked up over it. Can’t we all just get along?"

October, derived from the word “octo” (Latin for eight), was originally the eighth month in the ancient Roman calendar, but when Julius Caesar revised it, October became the 10th month.

The State Fair of Texas is now officially underway for the 2023 year and will continue through Sunday, October 22. For some people throughout the metroplex, the fair is a highlight of the fall season that brings with it excitement and tradition.

Dallas resident Hollie Rients has been to the State Fair of Texas approximately six or seven times and said she enjoys going because it reminds her of fall and brings back fond memories of fair outings in the past. Like many fair-goers, there’s one aspect in which Rients ensures she partakes.

“When I go to the fair, I love trying the food,” she said. “My go-tos are always walking tacos. I also love trying the award-winning desserts each year. This year, I’m excited to try the Fried Cherry Pie or Biscoff Delight.”

Dallas-area resident Jenna Hutt has been to the fair four or five times since she moved here from Lubbock in 2009. She and her husband, Ryan, got engaged at the fair, but they aren’t able to make it out there every year. When they do, though, other than making sure to see Big Tex, like Rients, there are certain staples they prefer to enjoy.

“My favorite fair food is a fried Snickers, and I look for that every year,” she said. “We also like checking out the beer garden and trying new local beers. If we go with our kids, they like to play games, ride the rides, and do the fun houses. They are indifferent about the food, so our experience depends on who we go with.“

Dallas-area resident Tory Castillo said he has attended the fair as a visitor at least 10 times, though he’s been there many more times, as he used to work for an agency whose client sponsored the fair, so he would often be out there for multiple days at a time. Like Rients and Hutt, he also has a handful of traditions he makes sure to make happen each year when he attends the State Fair of Texas.

“Need a Fletcher's corny dog,” he said. “Why? State law. Need the pic with Big Tex. Why? Iconic symbol of the fair. I was there the year he burned down. Need a turkey leg. Why? I want to feel barbaric. Need to jump on a car or truck. Why? I like vehicles, and I worked in that industry for a long time. Need to see the man cut in half. Why? It’s cool to see.”

For those who have never been to the fair or have not attended in quite some time, Hutt advises to have a heavy wallet or bank account on hand and to don appropriate attire.

“Be prepared to spend money,” she said. “It’s expensive and adds up quickly. And wear comfortable shoes and clothes—there’s lots of walking, and it’s usually hot!”

Castillo also offered up some tidbits of wisdom, including the best way to get to the fair and when might not be a good time to go.

“Use the back entrance off of I-45,” he said. “Exit MLK, and get to the parking lots off of Fitzhugh on the southeast side. Or take the DART train. Also, be prepared to walk, and if you don’t like big crowded places, stay away from Texas-OU weekend.”

Rients, on the other hand, said she prefers to go during the Red River Showdown, as it was a fun and memorable experience for her in the past.

“I had a great time going during the Texas-OU game,” she said. “My friends and I went while the game was going on and left before it ended, and it honestly felt less crowded than other times I’ve been since everyone was at the game. Definitely get out of there before the game ends, though!”

Tickets for the State Fair of Texas can be purchased ahead of time on the fair website, with a variety of options and discounts for certain groups and individuals available.

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Future NatNews dear reader Norah Hone doesn't even have to try to be cool

Tuesday, October 3: Mean Girls Day
Wednesday, October 4: National Cinnamon Roll Day; National Taco Day; All Time Low at The Factory
Thursday, October 5: Cool Thursdays Concert Series at the Dallas Arboretum
Friday, October 6: Silent Disco at Klyde Warren Park; Red River Weekend at The Rustic
Saturday, October 7: WRRC Saturday run from Taco Joint; Red River Showdown at Cotton Bowl Stadium