community

Researchers from The Ohio State University and Ithaca College found that more than 9 out of 10 Americans agreed that sports build character and improved one's health, while 84% agreed playing sports makes one popular in school and 85% said it makes one more well-known in the community.

The results showed that the majority of Americans thought sports helped people's character, health, grades, popularity in school and recognition in the community.

"It seems as if, in the Black community, sports are often viewed in a positive light and have historically been seen as a unique way to get ahead in society," he said.

Christians and conservatives were more likely to embrace the benefits of sports participation for personal development and gaining popularity in the community.

Based on their answers to questions about family and community exposure to sport, immersions in sport cultures, and beliefs about the values of sports, Davis and Knoester compared those who had more negative involvement and low involvement in sports compared to those who had more positive and high involvement in sports.