Sport, supported by a climate that encourages outdoor activities, plays an important role in Australian culture. 23.5% of Australians over the age of 15 regularly participate in organized sports activities. Internationally, Australia has significant teams in cricket, hockey, netball, rugby league and rugby union, and also excels in cycling, rowing and swimming. Nationally, other popular sports include Australian rules football, horse racing, football and motorsports. Australia has participated in each of the editions of the Olympic Games of the modern era and in every Commonwealth Games. Has hosted the 1956 Olympics and 2000 and was among the five countries with the most medals won since the 2000 games. Furthermore, it is the only southern hemisphere country to have won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. In Australia also held the Commonwealth Games, 1938, 1962, 1982 and 2006. Other major international events that take place frequently in this country include the Formula 1 race known as the Grand Prix of Australia, cricket competitions worldwide. In tennis Australians are known for their serve and volley game and enjoy quality tennis players Lleyton Hewitt, Samantha Stosur, Alicia Molik and others, also celebrate the Australia Open in Melbourne, one of four tennis tournaments Grand Slam. Corporate and government sponsorship of many sports and elite athletes is common. Televised sport is also popular, some of the highest marks in the audience rating was achieved by programs that televised the Olympics and the finals of football competitions, both local and international. In 1983 Australia II was proclaimed winner of the America's Cup sailing. Being the first time in the history of the Copa America, a non-American boat was proclaimed winner of the Cup of a hundred guineas.
Olimpic Games in Sydney
