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Boxing is a very demanding sport that can bring great rewards to someone that gives it everything that they have and more. If you can stick with boxing, then you will learn many very important life skills that will help you to be a better person. Also you can make a great career out of boxing, and might even become rich and famous. However if the proper respect and effort is not given, then the sport can eat you up, and spit you back out again. I started my boxing career in the Junior Golden Gloves in my city. I believe that the lessons I was taught during this time have helped to shape me into the man that I have become today.

During my experience in Junior Golden Gloves, I was not the best boxer of the group, but I worked hard everyday to get better and become the best boxer that I could. Boxing kept me away from drugs, gangs, and many other bad influences that some of my friends fell into during this time. I also believe that the Golden Gloves taught me the value of determination and hard work. As a boxer you can easily see what training and hard work can do for you in life. I believe that I have carried this throughout my life, and I try to let that hard work and determination translate into other things in my life.

You should definitely try to get your kids started in boxing when they are young, because it will keep them out of trouble, and also help them learn the skills that will make them leaders for the rest of their life. Also if your child is very good then they might even be able to make boxing into a very lucrative career. Boxing will also help kids learn how to stand up for themselves, and give them confidence that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. I really enjoyed my time in boxing, and am very appreciative of the lessons I learned while I was boxing.

93

If I ask 'what do think of when you hear the word sport?' I doubt if I'd get 2 answers the same. The world of sport is such a huge one, with a seemingly endless supply of subsections.

Some sports are cash rich with money flowing everywhere, while other sports are cash poor, never seeming to have any money.

When it comes to making money online, both ends of the scale are suitable to work with.

One of the most effective ways to make money online is to focus on niches. A niche is a group of people who have the same interest. This means you can focus what you offer them, and how you offer it.

Generally speaking, the broader and less tightly focused the niche, the harder it is to market. The word 'sport' as I said earlier means all sorts of things to all sorts of people. You will not know what they are all interested in.

So, we dig deeper into the niche, and this is called 'long tail marketing.'

To show an example, let's pick the NFL.

If someone types 'NFL' into a search engine, you don't know what they're looking for. It could be results, tickets, merchandise, equipment, any team. They could be looking to buy or just find information. You don't know, so let's narrow it down.

If you pick any of the 32 teams in the league, you are narrowing it down a bit, as at least you can focus on 1 team!

If you type the team's name into any free keyword tools available, you'll see a list of phrases that people searched for in the previous month.

An example might be the Miami Dolphins, which might show people searching for Miami Dolphins replica helmets.

This is more like it! If someone types that into a search engine, we can can be pretty sure what they are after, and can therefore focus our efforts on providing them the solution - in this case it would be an affiliate offer for a company selling replica helmets.

A phrase of 3+ words is often enough to be a defined niche, but you can go right up to 6+ words - remember, the tighter the niche, the more focused it is!

If you follow this 'marketing tail' back up the line, you can see that just one NFL team can provide a huge amount of niches.

Repeat it for all 32 teams, then go to college football.

Then you can do the same for any sport on the planet!

Believe me, it's possible to stay in the world of sport and *never* run out of niches to tap into!

92

In the early 1900’s the Hawaiians organized the Hui Nalu (surf club) and competed in neighborly surf competitions with the Outrigger Canoe Club. This drew a great deal of attention to the Waikiki surf shore, bringing a revitalized interest in the sport, which had fallen out of favor in the late 1800s. Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic star in swimming, popularized the sport further by traveling internationally and showing off his surfing style to thrilled audiences around the world. He was favored by Hollywood elite; having acted in bit parts in films and was always recruiting new surfers wherever he went. He is credited with surfing the longest wave of all time in 1917, in the popular surfing area now called Outside Castles in Waikiki. His 1000 meters plus wave record has yet to be overtaken.

In the 1930s, the sport of surfing was experiencing a Renaissance. Tom Blake, founder of the Pacific Coast Surf Championships that ended with the onset of war in 1941, was the first man to photograph surfing from the water. Another photographer and surfer named Doc Ball published California Surfriders 1946, which depicts the pristine coastal beaches and good-time, relaxed atmosphere of surf living. Surfing, although curtailed in the aftermath of WWII, revived as always by the 1950s. Bud Browne, an accomplished surfer and waterman, created the first ‘surf movie’ with his 1953 “Hawaiian Surfing Movie”. This inspired many photographers, filmmakers and surfers to continue documenting the sport, culminating with is arguably the best surf movie of all time, 1963’s “Endless Summer” by Bruce Brown. The film opened up the genre of the surf movie and the art of surfing to non-surfing people, accumulating fans and inspiring neophytes.

Although surfing was a male-dominated sport, adventurous women surfers can be seen all the way back to the times of the Polynesian Queens. Two notable ‘surfer girls’ were Eve Fletcher and Anona Napolean. Eve Fletcher was a California-born animator for Walt Disney and Anona Napolean was the daughter of a respected Hawaiian surfing family. The two pioneered the sport for modern women, winning surfing competitions up and down the California coast at the end of the 50s and into the 60s. Hollywood was quick to be on the scene and with the 1959 film “Gidget”, surfing was flung far out into the mainstream, never to return to its humble, ritualistic beginnings. “Gidget” inspired a slew of “Beach Blanket Bingo” movies that brought surfing to a new generation of teens and inspiring a new genre of ‘surf music’ that accompanied films and made The Beach Boys more famous than Elvis in the 60s.

Surfing spread throughout all media and Surfing Magazine was born in the early 1960s by famous surf photographer, LeRoy Grannis. After that, other publications cropped up bringing more information on the sport, equipment and stars of the surfing scene. John Severson, an accomplished filmmaker and photographer, created Surfer Magazine, originally called “The Surfer”. These publications brought advertising, professional surfing, surf culture and publicity to the now very popularized sport.

Eric Hartwell oversees "The World's Best Homepage" intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on sport and visit our associated site articles for free. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Hartwell

91

Cricket is one of the world's fastest growing sports and yet remains a mystery to many. If you want to find out more about the sport then read on.

The sport of cricket was originally exported from its home country of England. The Lord's cricket ground in London is still known as the "home of cricket".

As cricket became more popular at home, so the British started to bring the sport to other countries that were then part of the British Empire. A glance at the list of the top international cricket playing countries reveals how the sport first spread in this way.

International cricket is still dominated by the likes of Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

In recent years attempts have been made to broaden the appeal of the game. These have ranged from encouraging an organised version of the sport in less traditional cricketing nations (such as the Netherlands and Denmark) to creating more accessible versions of the sport.

International matches have also been played in more varied locations, from the Middle East to North America, in an attempt to attract more spectators.

If you're interested in finding out more about cricket, then your access to the sport will vary depending on where you live.

For those of you living in the traditional cricket playing countries, you'll be lucky enough to be able to head to a sports ground and watch cricket live.

Many of us aren't quite so fortunate and need to rely on the television, radio and internet for our first introductions to the game.

Each of these media can provide a great introduction to the game. Viewing a real match on television is obviously a fine way to start getting into the game, while cricket is surprisingly well suited to radio coverage.

When it comes to the internet, the popular CricInfo website contains a plethora of information on all aspects of cricket, from the rules to detailed statistical analysis.

It's also possible to find cricket clips on YouTube. Again, these can provide a good introduction to the sport.

If you are interested in finding out more about the game then take your time to investigate. Don't worry if it all seems complicated at first - you'll soon grow to love this most traditional of sports.

Keith Barrett has written about cricket and cricket gloves for a number of publications. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett

90

The Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica is home to a multitude of sport fishing excursions and opportunities. Sport fishing can include inshore fishing, offshore fishing, and even oceanfront activities, tours, and cruises. Vacation packages to Costa Rica, specifically for sport fishing and exploring, are becoming a popular trend.

Destinations for Sport Fishing Vacation Packages in Costa Rica
The prime destinations for sport fishing in Costa Rica include:

• Corcovado National Park
• Puerto Jimenez
• Playa Nicuesa

Corcovado National Park is a prime destination for exploring and enjoying the best of Costa Rica in true form. The self-sustaining eco-lodge is just minutes away from the Pacific Ocean, and fishing options abound throughout the year. The lodge features hot tubs and other luxurious amenities for a complete experience. Each room also contains cabins and decks for unique views of the surrounding natural area.

Puerto Jimenez is the largest town in the Osa Peninsula area, and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The Gulfo Dulce is just minutes away, and offers everything a sport fishing enthusiast would need for comfort and enjoyment.

Playa Nicuesa Eco Lodge is a tropical rainforest with luxury amenities and surroundings. Located just on the brink of the Gulfo Dulce, the pristine tropical rainforest offers a handful of sport fishing activities, charter boat excursions, and eco-tours year round.

Inshore Fishing on Gulfo Dolce
Gulfo Dolce offers almost 1,000 feet of deep water fishing opportunities, and is surrounded by lush rainforests and mountainous regions. The Pacific Ocean provides much of the southern area’s inshore fishing options, and anglers and travelers alike can take part in a unique sport fishing excursion with inshore fishing boats. Popular inshore fishing boats include the Pez Iguana. It’s comfortable and spacious enough for three anglers, and equipped with plenty of heavy duty fishing equipment and supplies. This boat is maneuverable in shallow water. Popular fishing tactics in the region include:

• Casting for snapper and Spanish mackerel
• Live bait fishing for snapper, roosterfish, and snook
• Fly fishing
• Bait fishing

Other highlights and fishing options are prevalent on the Rock of Matapalo.

Offshore Sport Fishing in Costa Rica
Offshore sport fishing options abound in Costa Rica, and the most common complement a variety of fishing tactics for the targeted species. The targeted species in this area include:

• Marlin
• Sailfish
• Dorado
• Tuna

Offshore fishing techniques include:
• Trolling with standard tackle
• Bait and switch, a combination technique using three different teasers and varying the levels of reels
• Fly fishing
• Live bait

Eliseo is an avid fishing guy
For more info and related article about fishing visit http://www.charasfishinginfo.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eliseo_Lao

89

Feeing a little bored lately?

Well, then perhaps you should try sport fishing in Alaska! Do you dream of catching that record breaking trout?

Want to reel in a fish that will feed your entire family? Wish you could put up a shiny fishing trophy on that bare wall? It is all possible in the world of sport fishing.

Although 400 pound halibut and 80 pound salmon are rare, they do exist. For most fishermen (and fisherwomen) they will leave satisfied with the catch that they did stumble upon. After all, you are in Alaska… home to some of the best fishing in the country.

When sport fishing, there are a couple things to keep in mind. First of, above all else, remember to obtain a fishing license before you even drop your line.

Without a license, you can get in big trouble and losing the “big one” won’t be your only concern. After you have your license, you can either enter a sport fishing contest where all contestants fish a specific location and the one with the biggest fish or most fish wins. If you are not interested in entering a contest then you’re all set.

Just pick a location, decide on which type of fish you want to find, and cast out, young angler. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting then find a contest, understand the rules and regulations, and then you are also on your way. Either decision you make will insure sport fishing in Alaska is a highlight of your trip.

Some of the best spots for sport fishing in Alaska are the Kenai Peninsula, Bristol Bay, Kodiak, Prince William Sound, and the Upper Copper area.

Each of these areas offers different types of fish and different living conditions. The most popular types of fish to catch are rainbow trout, halibut, silver salmon, king salmon, and lingcod.

Sport fishing in Alaska is a grand experience if done right. Some private fishing docks have guides to accompany you on your trip into the Alaskan waters.

So, when the 400 pound halibut comes swimming in, you will be ready. Alaska’s waters are full of fish for the catching and sport fishing in Alaska is a great way to do that!

Enjoy the Alaskan waters as you reel in a big one!

For more information on Alaska Vacations visit inside-alaska.com where you will tips on Alaska attractions, Alaska fishing and hunting, Alaska railroad tours, even sport fishing in Alaska, and more

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22nd April 2007, and the London Marathon sets off at 9am sharp.

Am I one of the 36,000 odd competitors one the start line, all trained and ready to go? Er, well no.

I wanted to do the race to mark my 40th birthday, but had a disappointment when I didn't get in the race (there were around 120,000 applications for the 36,000 places!)

Since I write about goal achievement though, I decided that wouldn't stop me, so carried on training to get ready for the 22nd April.

My intention was to run my own marathon on my own at the same time as the London race, so while the masses were ready in the country's capital, I was stood on my own start line, and started my stopwatch at 9am.

I'd put in a year's worth of training, so considered myself ready, but was a bit wary about the heat, which just my luck equalled the hottest in the 27 years of the London Race!

I ploughed along, and got to 26.2 miles in 5 hours 45 minutes, about 15 minutes outside my target, but not bad considering the heat and a dubious groin muscle at 20 miles!

So, how can we benefit from those 36,000 runners, plus me, that achieved the distance? Well, that's the first thing, the achievement itself.

No-one finishes a marathon without dedicated training. The levels of training vary hugely, but *all* the finishers put a lot of time and effort in, and every single finisher would have felt a great deal of discomfort/pain.

It's motivation and inspiration to remind us of what we can achieve if we set our minds to it, and that's something most of us rarely bother with.

Of course it's possible to also benefit financially from the fact that 36,000 did the marathon. There are marathons all over the world, and running is a huge market for business.

You can either set up your own dedicated running business website, or you could earn commission by sending visitors to existing websites.

The method I like to use though, is providing information. With today's technology it is quick, easy and free to do this, and with my technique I've found no shortage of willing customers - after all, I know what they want as I did the marathon too!

So, whether you took part in the actual race, or a solo effort like me, or whether you sat back in your armchair and watched with a cool drink, take heart from the 36,000 London Marathon runners, and make sure you take all the benefits available!

Gordon Bryan is the author of 'Make Money From Sport,' a guide where he takes you through the single technique he uses again and again to profit from any sport! Find out more at: http://www.gordonbryan.com/sport

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gordon_Bryan