learn it! title
'sport' or 'game'
game of football

Martina Sotona from from The Czech Republic asks:

The Olympics are over and I would like to ask why we call them the Olympic Games when they are about sports. Can you please explain in more detail the difference between sport and game?
Roger replies:

Sports are activities which require physical effort and ability and some degree of mental skill usually. They are often organised competitively, played outdoors and with a ball, although not necessarily. Thus:

rugby
cricket
football
basketball
hockey
baseball
netball
tennis
table tennis
squash
badminton
volleyball
golf
motor racing
cycling
skiing
running
swimming

 
However, we talk about games when two teams or individuals meet to play against each other. (So, for this reason, they are called the Olympic Games.) Compare the following:
  • 'Do you fancy a game of golf this afternoon?'

  • The game (or match for most ball games) between Manchester United and Liverpool had to be abandoned at half time. The pitch was waterlogged.'

  • 'Cricket is my favourite sport. I spend all weekend every weekend either watching it or playing it in summer.'
Games are also activities involving skill, knowledge or chance in which you try to win against an opponent or solve puzzles. Thus, we have 'word games', 'card games', 'computer games' and games like chess, backgammon, dominoes, darts, snooker, mahjong and Monopoly. For games like these, not so much, if any, physical ability or skill is needed.