Factors that influence participation in certain sports Your peers are people you hang out with who have similar interests, backgrounds, and are around your age. Your peer group has a great influence on how you behave and the things you do. This is not always expressed in words. If you wear the “wrong” clothes or do the “wrong” things you may feel left out very quickly. If your peers approve of an activity, you will feel encouraged to do it. Unfortunately, peer pressure can also force people to give up sports even if they enjoy it. Family Your family can have a similar effect on you as your friends. We pick up many of our habits and values ​​from home. If your family likes sports and gives you the opportunity to participate, chances are you will. Most young people depend on their parents and family for equipment and help to travel to sporting events. The opposite is true once again. If your family has a negative attitude towards physical activity, chances are you will too. Gender Some people mistakenly believe that sport is a men's world. There certainly appear to be few barriers erected to prevent men from participating in physical activity. Many more men participate in physical activity than women. Race People from minority ethnic groups can face discrimination when it comes to physical activity. Many people mistakenly believe that they are physiologically different because they are a different color, and this means that they will be good at some activities and not others. For example, some people believe that all blacks are fast... middle of the paper... all the business depends on their politicians too. All governments are involved in sports, for one reason or another. For example, the structures cost so much to build that the government usually has to pay at least something for them. A government may promote sport for all in an attempt to cut health service costs or reduce crime. It can promote excellence in sports so as to bring a sense of pride to the country and enhance its standing in the outside world. Sponsorship Sponsorship also has an effect on participation, as this is what brings money into sport. Even at the local level, small businesses often sponsor teams and help them financially, allowing people to play. However the sponsors can decide to withdraw from the agreement very easily and leave the team having to find another or stop playing.