Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Presents

BBC documentary about sports and society: The Most Important, Least Important Thing

Colin Kaepernick 017 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel.
Eric Reid 0135 and Colin Kaepernick 017 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to their NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium on October 23, 2016 in Santa Clara, California.
Ezra Shaw | Getty Images

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Why is watching sports so important to us as a species? And what happens when that experience is taken away from us in a global pandemic? Sports provide something to watch when life isn’t great: a distraction, a diversion, an escape, entertainment and a connection to people who are pursuing excellence — sometimes winning, sometimes losing.

In this BBC documentary, called “The Most Important, Least Important Thing,” award-winning sports journalist and broadcaster Clare Balding explores why sports play such a crucial role in shaping society, speaking to a field of global experts such as a philosopher, neurologist, anthropologist and sociologist.

The 2020 Olympic summer games were postponed to 2021. What does the Olympic experience mean for the participants and the viewers around the globe? What do we learn about other cultures?

French author, journalist and philosopher Albert Camus reportedly said about soccer, that “football taught me everything I ever knew about morality.”

Elite athletes, including tennis star Martina Navratilova, share their experiences and insights about their role speaking out about social and racial injustice.

In the United States, the Major League Baseball season got underway over the weekend, and there are signs that professional hockey and men’s basketball will be resuming soon. All three sports were shut down in March with the outbreak of the coronavirus. An abbreviated WNBA season has begun. The 3M Open golf tournament concluded Sunday in Blaine. These athletes are not performing in front of fans — except on TV.