Some people think that governments should ban dangerous sports, while others think people should have freedom to do any sports or activity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The media

commonly provide

Suggestion

commonly provides

a barrage of news about dangerous sports, because the deaths and injuries associated with them often make for spectacular headlines.

As a result

, some people have argued that all extreme sports should be banned,

although

I would argue that

such

a policy would be out of all proportion to the real risks involved. Those in favour of prohibiting people from taking part in dangerous sports tend to focus on the risk element. Even when individuals may be physically and mentally prepared to participate in extreme sports activities, and even when they have all the right gear, the dangers are ever-present. To take an example, few sports are as challenging and fraught with danger as BASE jumps. Participants hurl themselves off cliffs, and few escape without suffering severe bruising or acute abdominal pains which normally

last

for several days.

In addition

,

although

sports equipment rarely malfunctions,

this

may still happen and the consequences may be fatal. The supporters of legislation to ban dangerous sports argue that

such

tragic outcomes, not only affect the individual victims, but

also

leave mental scars, which their families

then

have to live with for the rest of their lives.

However

, I support the view of those who contend that participation in extreme sports must be a matter of personal choice.

Firstly

, overcoming physical challenges may be a springboard for positive personal transformation. It may make a person stronger and more determined, and the experience may be a life-changing one.

Secondly

, the rigours of preparation in order go mountain-climbing, whitewater rafting or other

such

extremely strenuous activities demand that an individual is at the peak of health and physical condition.

Finally

, there is an ethical aspect which dictates that a person should have the freedom to pursue the challenges which they set themselves, even though

this

may involve a level of risk which others might find unacceptable. In conclusion, while acknowledging the real risks, I would defend the right of any individual to take part in the extreme sport of their choice.