John Guillaumier (February 21) declares that participating in sport is not “cultural”. “Far from being cultural, such talk is mindless.” This contention was seconded by Mario Dingli (February 25).

What is the meaning of cultural or culture?

It can certainly be applied to an artistic activity but also to the group’s and nation’s ethos. There is no doubt that sport is an important constituent of a nation’s culture.

From historic and, I dare say, pre-historic times, sport has been considered an essential part of a group’s or city’s activity. Sport is both an art and a science. Well documented in classical Greece and in the Roman period, epitomised in mens sana in corpore sano, sport has a salutary effect on the individual at a physical, emotional and educational level.

Sport forms part of a nation’s culture. It is a global event, able to delight billions and attract their attention to periodic Olympic, world, international or paralympic games. Can one truly claim, fairly and validly, that the billions of individuals who have, throughout centuries, been delighted with sport are “mindless”?

As with many others, I enjoy a good game of football as well as a perfectly delivered pass, a dribble or a beautifully-taken goal; athletic feats which require stamina, imagination, creativity and prowess to execute. Denigrators cannot discredit such ability. I believe those not appreciating or enjoying same are missing out but I would never call them “mindless”.

In this context, sport forms part of a nation’s culture. Relegating it is incorrect; an unfair, biased and restricted view. Sport is to be appreciated for its own sake, as part of the nation’s activities, a positive aspect of our world activities. Long may it so flourish and may converts see the light or, better still, enjoy the beauty of sport.