Wednesday, 7th May 2008
Is it sports?
The day was Saturday. I believe it was around 8.15 p.m. when while zapping the various sports channels, I learnt that Brazil were 2-0 down to France. Trezeguet and Henry put France ahead in the second half. Brazil were fielding Ronaldo, Kaka, Adriano and Ronaldinho. However there was no flair in the team and France seemed on the way to repeat the 1998 Fifa World Cup victory. I had to leave, and couldn’t stay to watch the game. I had a reservation at Il-Horza in Valletta, to celebrate my sixth wedding anniversary. It wouldn’t have been nice to be late for such an occasion due to football…
Wait. Is this football? Is this sport?
Although the channel was Eurosport2, this wasn’t real football. This was the Championship Gaming Series, where teams from various cities were competing against each other playing video games. The competition was one of the most acclaimed football ones created by EA Sports. The way it was commented was incredible.
The commentators referred to what was on screen, in the same way one would listen to real life football. There are many theories or definitions on what should be or should not be sport. I believe that this one is a bit too far. Today global sport-themed channels show Poker Championships and Video Gaming Championships, just as if this was sport.
When I was younger, there was an issue if Subbuteo (today it’s called Table Football) had to be considered a sport or not. I believe it is, not just because I used to play it, but also because, if taken seriously, it instilled several of the values that sport should provide. But to have video-gaming labelled as sport, eh! I don’t know what’s next.
Back to life…
I know of three friends of mine, who are still trying to get grips with the tough reality the work place reserves, following what sounded like a weekend of sheer bliss during the Marzemmi sailing race.
A steady North Easterly wind averaging 17 knots (which at times touched 24 and even 30 knots) made the race possible, contrary to the Marzemmi – Malta leg. This time the wind was absent, and only 5 boats managed to make it in the established time. Besides the thrill of this race, I believe this sport should be taken care of by whoever can, as it is one of those which can attract to Malta the much needed exposure and coverage.
Take the Rolex Middle Sea Race. I believe it’s one of those few things which get Malta on international network channels, thanks to the association with Rolex.
In any case, well done to the Malta Yacht Club (not that they need any praise from here) for the fantastic photos they’ve put online on their website.
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