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What is sport? ASU teachers, historians and athletes weigh in

In honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, Sun Devil community members share what fitness means to them


A runner is silhouetted against the sun

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May 29, 2018

"Move it or lose it" is the old saying, but maybe it's time to flip that: Move it — because you have so much to gain.

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and these members of the Arizona State University community prove that physical activity is a great way of life.

From fitness' role in the classroom to favorite ways to stay active, these Sun Devils share what sport means to them.

Sport is ... empowerment

Video by Suzanne Wilson and Jamie Ell/ASU Now

ASU sports historianJackson is a lecturer of history in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at ASU. Victoria Jackson and cross-country runner J.P. Nelson share what sport and fitness mean to a country's military preparedness and its gender equity — and why running makes them feel smarter and more complete.

Sport is ... education

Video by Suzanne Wilson and Jamie Ell/ASU Now

For Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College Professor Hans Van der Mars, physical activity is education. It's also how to better ensure a better quality of life.

Sport is ... wellness

Video by Suzanne Wilson and Jamie Ell/ASU Now

Physical education teacher and Arizona's 2018 Teacher of the Year Josh Meibos talks about how to get naturally wiggly kids interested in physical activity. Fellow ASU alum Chelsey Sands shares the opportunities for all in adaptive fitness. 

Sport is ... leadership

Video by Suzanne Wilson and Jamie Ell/ASU Now

ASU women's tennis coach Sheila McInerney — who earlier this year became the sixth ASU coach to reach 500 wins — and tennis alum Alexandra Osborne talk teamwork, toughness ... and their favorite tennis stroke. 

Sport is ... a lifestyle

Video by Suzanne Wilson and Jamie Ell/ASU Now

ASU men's basketball coach Bobby Hurley talks about why sport is a lifestyle — and his famous Hollywood debut.

Sport is ... for everyone

Video by Suzanne Wilson and Jamie Ell/ASU Now

Global Sport Institute CEO Kenneth Shropshire discusses how sport can change a society, whether the winter or summer version of the Olympics is better and why Muhammad Ali really was the greatest.

Top photo by Pixabay

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