Just turned on ESPN looking for Sports Center. WTF, they're televising the National Spelling Bee.

you and i haven't any history of contention. I'll show you the respect you deserve.

Do you realize what that spelling bee means to these kids? It IS a competitive event. Thus a sport. That event is the HIGHLIGHT of some kids lives. The practice/research involved in preparing for that event is academically incredible. I wish i could cheer for each and everyone of them in person.

I'm sorry if I offended anyone here. i am A GREAT CHAMPION OF CHILDREN!!!!!!!

-- Modified on 6/4/2010 10:00:07 AM

I, too, was wondering if the Spelling Bee was a sport, but now I realize that it does have its place, the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat."

"Sport: n. an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature ..."

The Spelling Bee isn't a sport by that definition.  It also is not a "game" per se.  At least in my mind.

To me, it is a contest.  A competition or show of skills between rivals in an effort to win a prize.

Don't get me wrong, those kids are amazing at what they are doing.  Hours and hours of hard work.  Incredible memories.  Poise under pressure.  And generally grace in both victory and defeat.  I wish more professional athletes looked up the THEM, not the other way around.

While we are discussing such things, I don't think chess or poker are sports either.  Chess is a contest.  Poker is a game.  To me, games involve an element of chance to a greater degree than contests, or sports even for that matter.