As is the case in many countries, sports are an integral part of the lifestyle in Libya. Soccer, known as football to the world outside the United States, is the most important sport for Libyans. Libya participates in the Olympic Games. And thanks to the beach coasts, water sports are popular in Libya, as well.

Soccer

Children begin playing soccer from the time they are very young and they continue to play well into adulthood. Soccer is a game for boys and men; women will not be found playing in organized or official football games in Libya. There are informal matches held in the villages, city streets, and desert oases. Male youth play organized football from elementary school through their university years.

There are also professional football leagues in Libya, with the premier professional league boasting 15 teams across the country. The elite of all Libyan soccer players will take the field to compete for the Libyan national team for the Africa Cup. If they are successful in that tournament, they will compete in the World Cup.

Horse Racing

Horses have been a part of Libyan life for over 3,000 years: as a means of transportation, for work, and for sport. Today, Libyans enjoy attending horse races and chariot races. The Arab tradition of skilled riding and equestrian sports, known as fantasias, is another favorite pastime in Libya. Nearly as popular as horse races are camel races. Camel races pit two riders and camels against each other at a time. In camel races, the speed of the animal is less important than the skill and fearlessness of the rider.

Olympic Games

When Libya gained its independence, the country began participating in the Olympic Games. Participation was spotty, however, and for nearly 30 years, Libya sent no one to the games. At the Sydney Games in 2000, three Libyans competed, the country’s first showing since 1968.

Water Sports

Because of the beaches, Libyans spend a lot of their free time indulging in water sports. Besides swimming, popular water pastimes include water skiing and scuba diving. There is even a Libyan diving team, which is led by Qadhafi. Recently, this diving team discovered an underwater city, which is believed to be thousands of years old.

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