Giving It a Go, Even Though You Might Not Win

This term we are working in inquiry groups to find out more about our neighbouring countries in Asia and the Pacific.

Like New Zealand, some of these countries are 

members of the Commonwealth, 

so we followed each group's 'country' as they took part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Some of the countries we followed have small populations, and only sent small teams to the Commonwealth Games.

Some of those countries didn't win any medals. 

We were impressed that even though the athletes probably didn't expect to win a medal, they came to the Games and competed to their best ability.

Why might athletes compete even if they don't expect to win?