|
Most Swedes enjoy exercise and sports; there are more
than 22,000 sports clubs in Sweden. The most popular winter sport is skiing.
When snow falls, Swedes of all ages-from young children to seniors-go to ski
resorts, where they enjoy both downhill and cross-country skiing. Skating is
also a favourite winter sport, especially along Stockholm's canal system,
and many people enjoy ice fishing on frozen lakes.
In summer, Swedes enjoy walking, hiking and cycling
in the countryside. In the national parks, there are well-maintained trails
and mountain stations. A network of cycling paths has been established
throughout the country. The Right of Public Access, Allemänsrätten,
gives walkers and hikers the right to cross privately owned property,
provided that they do no damage. This means that they can walk in any
forest, camp overnight in any meadow, and swim in any river or lake. |
 |
|
Orienteering-a cross-country race that tests map-reading
and direction-finding skills-originated as a military exercise in Sweden in
1918. It is still a popular sport. Every July, thousands of Swedes participate
in an orienteering competition called the O-Ringen.
Sailing, canoeing, whitewater rafting and kayaking
are other favourite summer activities. Many Swedes hunt and fish in summer.
However, they must obtain permits and follow strict legal regulations
governing these activities.
Swedes enjoy watching and playing soccer, ice hockey,
tennis, golf and European handball. A distinctively Scandinavian sport is
bandy. Bandy is usually played outdoors on an ice rink the size of a soccer
field. It is a little like ice hockey. Each team has eleven players. They
use a bandy stick, which has leather straps on the hitting surface, to hit
a red ball the size of a tennis ball, which is made of cork with a hard
rubber cover. |
|
Did you know? |
|
The popularity of tennis in Sweden increased dramatically
in the 1970s when Swedish player Björn Borg won his first Wimbledon title.
He won the Wimbledon championship five times in a row.
|
| |
