Native Americans people played a variety of
ball games including some that may be viewed as earlier
forms of Lacrosse. But today's ball games arose from
children's bat-ball and foot-ball games that were brought
to America by the first settlers that arrived from Europe
in the 17th century. These games were re-fashioned and
elaborated in the course of the 19th century and
eventually became the typical American sports of Baseball,
Basketball and Football. In their current forms these are
the most popular sports in the united states. Of course,
Americans engage in many other Atheletic activities as
well, but these games still occupy a special place in
theAmerican sports scene.
The U.S. Government supports
International Atheletic Competitions because these events
provides a showcase for American culture, promote mutual understanding between nations, generate a sense of
National pride and create a significant economic impact.
The United States has a long history of supporting
International Atheletic Events and thousands of Atheletes
have represented America in games all over the world.
The United States has traditionally been
a very successful player in International Sports
Events.The Olympic Games are the highlight of
International Competition. The United States has had the
pleasure to host Olympic Winter or Summer Games on eight
occasions. Summer Games took place in St.Louis. Missouri
(1904), Los Angeles, California (1932 & 1984), and in
Atlanta, Georgia (1996). Winter Games were held in Lake
Placid, New York (1932 & 1980), Squaw Valley,
California (1960), and in Salt Lake City, Utah (2002).
In addition, American Athletes compete
in World Championships & other International Sports
Events devoted to individual kinds of sports. CyclistLance Armstrong won the prestigious tour De France in
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 & again in 2005. The United States hosts some of the
premier events in other sports such as Golf (including the masters), Tennis (U.S.Open), and Auto Racing (particularly the Indianapolis 500), and hosted the World Cup in 1994. |
