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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.

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

BBC documentary by Clare Balding about the role of sports in society, called “The Most Important, Least Important Thing.” 

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

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