The Origins of Sports - Hardcover

by Tom Velcovsky (Author), Stepanka Sekaninova (Author), Matej Ilcik (Illustrator)

The Origins of Sports: How Today's Favorite Games Began

Ever wonder who invented basketball, where hockey was first played, or how the idea of a goal came about? The Origins of Sports takes young readers on a fascinating journey through time to uncover the surprising beginnings of the world's most popular games.

Perfect for ages 6-9, this beautifully illustrated book explores 10 major sports from athletics and football to tennis and ice hockey and reveals how they evolved from ancient traditions to modern competitions. Learn about the first tennis racket, the origin of the ball, and even which sport was played in Ancient Egypt. Packed with fun facts, historical insights, and colorful artwork, this book makes sports history exciting and accessible.

Step into the past and see how today's favorite games began and how they shaped the world of sports we know today.

• Explore 10 Popular Sports: Athletics, skating, ice hockey, golf, football, tennis, basketball, swimming, skiing, and baseball.


• Fascinating Origins: Discover how rules, equipment, and playing styles developed over the years.


• Engaging Illustrations: Vivid artwork brings ancient arenas and early games to life.


• Fun Facts and Surprises: Did you know hockey was played in Ancient Egypt? Find out more inside.


• Perfect for Curious Kids: Ideal for classrooms, sports fans, and anyone who loves learning about history in a fun way.

For over 75 years, Albatros Media has been crafting original and innovative children's books that are both playful and educational, fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in young minds. We deliver the highest quality children's books from novelty, picture, pop-up, and how-to books, to non-fiction, and fairy tale books.

Author Biography

Tom Velcovsky is a graduate of Audiovisual Production from the Silesian University in Opava, Czech Republic, where he specialized in screenwriting and storyboards. Before switching to children's books and the making of comic strips, he worked in advertising.

Stepanka Sekaninova used to work as a TV reporter and in the production of children's programs. Now she is a writer and an editor-in-chief, living in the Czech Republic.

Although Matej Ilcik has been keen on drawing and art from a young age, he did not attend courses in art as a child. He studied Political Science, rather than creative subjects, pursuing his interests in painting and art history in his free time. He acquired the basic techniques for his work as an artist on a two-year adult education course in painting. Having briefly considered his options, he started out as a freelance graphic designer.