Australia is the mecca for the sports lovers from around the world. In case you are a sports freak and you are in Australia, you sure will not be disappointed. Sports in Australia holds a special place in the Australian culture, with almost one third of the population being a member of some sports club or the other. The passion of the Australians for sports cannot be matched with any other nation. Be it professional sports or adventure sports, sports events boast of the highest rate of viewership, both out in the sun and over the television. While sports events are the most watched television programs, you will witness the fanaticism, in case you have been to an Australian Rules game, held between March and September. While professional sports is especially popular in terms of television ratings and attendance, adventure sports such as surfing, sailing, cruising, skiing, snowboarding, diving, snorkeling and canoeing are also some of the popular sports in Australia. Every state in Australia has its own share of sports bodies at the state level, regional and at the club level. At the national level, there are as many as 120 national sports organizations. Besides water and winter sports, there are several other activities such as bushwalking, fishing, swimming, horse riding, camping, ballooning, bungee jumping and kayaking, among others. Outdoors is the only place to be, when in Australia, especially with the onset of the winters.
Australians take their sports extremely seriously. This is evident in the popularity enjoyed by professional sports in Australia, not only in terms of television ratings, revenue and sponsorships, but also in terms of participation of Australians in any sports. Some of the important professional sports in Australia include Australian Rules Football, popularly known as “footy”, cricket, baseball, rugby league, rugby union, swimming, soccer, golf, cycling and horse racing, among many others. While some of these sports are more popular in certain states, most have a considerable national following. Some of the popular sporting events held in Australia include Aussie Rules games, the Sydney to Hobart yatch race held on Boxing day, the Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Open Tennis Championship, among others.
Besides professional sports, adventure sports too is extremely popular in Australia. Endless miles of coastline and hundreds of lakes and rivers ensure that water sports have a special place in people's lives. Fishing is one of the most common activity pursued by most of the families. At the other end, sailing is also extremely common in Australia, with many having a professional interest in the same as well. While the waters offer an exciting range of sports, the snow capped mountains and the hard interiors, namely the outback region, too not far behind. Camping may be popular adventure sport, while horse riding and bushwalking are extremely popular. Adventure sports in Australia may not have the same popularity in terms of television viewership and professional events, but for the lovers of adventure sports, the country offers much scope. Not only most of the sports facilities much cheaper, in case you are a beginner, you can also enroll yourself for the many courses offered here.
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