Sports are a great civilizing force. They also provide an image and example of many human virtues in a way few things can.
Humans are tribal. We are competitive. These can be incredibly destructive forces if not channeled properly. Sports are a sort of simulated combat that does just that. They allow our warlike tendencies to play out peacefully.
Virtues like courage, hope, perseverance, loyalty, sacrifice, and cooperation are demonstrated through sports in a way even a child can understand. Their opposites are also demonstrated. The entire drama unfolds and lets us see truths about the human condition that would require lectures and syllogisms without the animating contest of sports.
It’s good to sometimes lose ourselves in the agony and the ecstasy of sports.