Fitness, health, leisure and sport are now major sources of income and activity, contributing massively to the economy and still growing.
The most popular originated in England, and there are still some that haven't made the world stage yet - like quoits and spell and knur (which the Scots pinched and renamed golf), and which Northallerton was famous for in the 17th century.
As the originators, you would think we should beat the rest of the world in them all, but think of the pleasure we have given by showing them how to play.
Additionally, we let them beat us, and we are the world's best at that. There is nobody that everybody loves to beat more than us.
Our politicians cottoned on to this some time ago. Why else are they selling off all the playing fields and spare land for apartments?
It is to limit the possibilities of our youth getting too good, and providing accommodation for all the foreigners who want to come and see us lose.
George Appleby Clifton, York.
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