'Sport' is clipped from 'disport' — Latin for 'carry away' from daily cares. Cousin of 'transport.'
A physical activity governed by rules, engaged in competitively or for recreation.
A shortening of Middle English disport (amusement, entertainment, recreation, play), from Anglo-French desporter (to carry away, to divert oneself, to take one's ease), from Old French des- (away, apart) + porter (to carry, to bear), from Latin deportare (to carry off, to transport) and portare (to carry), from PIE *per- (to carry, to lead, to pass over). The original idea of sport was being carried away from daily cares — amusement as a form of mental and physical transport out of ordinary life. Disport is recorded from the 14th century; English speakers dropped