fun facts about what different countries do for sports and physical activity

1. Steps Around the World

2. 2
Europe: Italy
• Futbol or better known as “soccer” in the United States is the most popular
sport
• In the year 2000 more than 4 million people participated in futbol which was
over a million more than any other sport
• In 2006 Italy won the FIFA World Cup
• Right behind Brazil Italy is the second most successful futbol team in world
cup history with a total of four FIFA World Cup championships
• Soccer/futbol can help
– increase your aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health
– can help lower body fat and improve emotional health
– helps build strength, endurance, muscle and bone strength

3. 3
Europe: Germany
• The Olympic games houses many different sports anywhere from endurance sports to
archery
– Find a sport you enjoy and get active to help with weight management, improve
cardiovascular health, muscle and bone health, psychological health and more!
• Germany ranks third on the all time list for the medal count during the Olympic Games
• They’ve received the most success in the Olympics in track and field with a grand total of
80 medals
• Canoeing, swimming and equestrian follow with a total 70, 61, 52 respectively
• Following the 2016 Rio olympic games Germany finished 5th in total count of medals with
a total of 425 athletes

4. 4
North America: Jamaica
• One of the leading countries in spriting with the current world record holder
for 100m and 200m Usain Bolt.
• Jamaica’s team broke the world record in 2012 London Olympics in a time
of 36.84.
• Other than running cricket is also a very popular sport in Jamaica
• Jamaica’s national cricket team has won 10 regional four day competitions
and 7 WICB cups.

5. 5
South America: Brazil
• Football or better known as “soccer in the U.S.” is the most popular sport in
Brazil
• Their football team has won the FIFA World Cup 5 times and is the only team
to succeed in qualifying for every FIFA World Cup competition ever held.
• Following football is mixed martial arts which is one of the most popular sports
in Brazil. Brazilian jiu-jitsu being one of the most well know for it’s ground
fighting techniques and submission involving joint-locks and chokeholds.
• But besides football they are also very well known for participating in Capoeira,
which is an Afrao-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and
music.

6. 6
South America: Columbia
• Football or “soccer” in the U.S. is the most popular sport in Columbia
• Cycling is also very popular in this area after the triumps of Martin Emilio
Rodriguez who is a Hour world record holder and world champion in the
4,000m pursuit
• Boxing became popular in Columbia in the 1960’s due to the triumphs of
Antonia “Kid Pambele” Cervantes who became a two time world Jr.
Welterweight champion.

7. 7
Antarctica
• The Antarctic Ice Marathon was established by Richard Donovan to enable marathon
runners to complete a marathon on all seven continents
• The race takes place just a few hundred miles from the South Pole at the foot of the
Ellsworth Mountains
• Racers experience temperatures from subzero and 24 hours of daylight
• 2016 Men’s 100k Winner from the U.S. Griff Griffith
• 2009 Men’s Marathon Winner from the U.S. Jason Wolfe
• 2006 Women’s Marathon Winner from the U.S. Noelle Sheridan
• The marathon benefits Oceanites, a non-profit research group that measures the
flora, fauna and wildlife in Antarctica in a mission to preserve the pristine environment
in Antarctica
– The past three years the event has raised nearly $150,000

8. 8
Africa: Ethiopia
• To no one's surprise Ethiopia is known for their long-distance runners who often
compete in the world championships and the olympics.
• Ethiopia has been referred to as a “running mecca”
• Football is actually the most popular sport in Ethiopia, despite the national
teams lack of success
– Who hasn’t won the the African Cup of Nations since 1962
• One of their more traditional sports events would be stick fighting
– Which is exactly what it sounds like
– Fighters drink cow's blood to get stronger before fighting

9. 9
Africa: Botswana
• Botswana is considered to have one of the top overall safari's in Africa
• July to October is the dry winter season and it is best time to visit for
optimum game viewing and time to visit the safari
• Temperature can range from 41 to 68 degrees fahrenheit
• There were a total of 1,499,794 international visitors in 2008
• Walking/exploring Health benefits:
– Decreased resting heart rate
– Improved circulation
– Decreased cholesterol
– Reduced risk of heart disease
– Reduced blood pressure
– Increased metabolism

10. 10
Australia
• Surfing is very popular
• Helps improve cardiovascular and heart health: uses mostly upper body to
do the paddling work and lower body to guide the board.
• Mental Health: great stress relievers for Aussies
• Vitamin D: is essential for strengthening bones
• Improve Balance: to be able to stay on the board you have to have strong
ability to maintain your balance.
• Muscle Strengthening: from paddling it strengthens back and shoulder
muscles, and builds legs and core muscles from balancing standing on the
board.
• Stress Relief: can forget about the stress in life and just ride the waves

11. 11
Asia: China
• Acupuncture originated in China 2,000
years ago making it one of the oldest and
most commonly used medicine practice in
the world.
• This practice functions under that
everyone has energy called Chi, and when
the energy is blocked or disturbed it can
cause pain or illness.
• Acupuncturists use tiny, solid metallic
needles to penetrate specific pathways
within the body where Chi flows.
• Health benefits:
– Pain relief
– Stress management
– Asthma
– Impotence
– Tendonitis
– Migraines
– Emotional wellness

12. Asia: Japan
• Rajio Taisou is a warm up they do in the morning
• Consist of arm circles, squats, jumping, toe touching, bending over
and stretching.
• Usually done in the morning for 10-15 minutes
• Helps get the blood flowing and your heart rate up
• This is similar to Chinese Tai-Chi
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