National Sportsmanship Day

National Sportsmanship Day is an annual American holiday celebrating sportsmanship. This term is not limited to high sports skills but also includes ethics, compliance with all the rules, and respect for your opponent. When an athlete possesses all of these characteristics, only then can they be considered to have achieved sportsmanship. The holiday is observed every first Tuesday of March.

History

We owe the establishment of National Sportsmanship Day to the International Sports Institute, which proposed it in 1991. Since then, all sports fans and athletes have enjoyed celebrating the holiday every year.

Examples of sportsmanship in the history of various competitions abound. For example, remember the 1936 Olympic Games, which were held in the German capital. This was a few years before World War II, and Nazi slogans and racial animosity were actively promoted in the country. Among the athletes was an African-American participant from the United States, Jesse Owens. It was very hard for him because of the scornful looks and poor support. Meanwhile, Luz Long, a German who also competed, gave him some sports advice and supported him. Taking the advice, Owens improved his skills and was eventually able to win the Gold Medal!

At the 1956 Australian Running Championships, John Landy helped a competitor ahead of him to his feet after a fall. Despite the lost time, Landy was able to win the race. They even erected a monument to this event, which is a great example of sportsmanship.

Interesting Facts

• The phrase “sportsmanship” appeared around the beginning of the 18th century and is described in the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
• Sportsmanship is an excellent indicator of an athlete’s high moral qualities. It can also be neglected in order to win more easily.

How to Celebrate

On National Sportsmanship Day, congratulate your friends and acquaintances involved in professional sports. Ask them if they’ve had any situations where they’ve taken advantage of sportsmanship.

Spread the word on social media. Ask other users what examples of sportsmanship they can provide.

When is National Sportsmanship Day in 2025?

National Sportsmanship Day is devoted to celebrating cheerfulness and fun. It is annually on the first Tuesday in March.

Observations