Abstract: The concept, characteristics and functions of sport are not only the indispensable rational support of sport practice, but also the indispensable foundation of sport theory. Standing on the historical position of new era and new developmental stage, and based on research findings of generations, through reviewing history, considering presents, and predicting future, the study put forward opinions on the core topics of sport concept, characteristics and functions: Sport is a practical activity, in which people use physical activity as the basic method to realize, improve themselves, and promote the development of the society. The characteristics of sport are that people use physical activity as method, existing in the way of unity of subject and object, take selfdevelopment as purpose, and take humanistic spirit as values. The essential function of sport is education, which is generated from the direct purpose of sport promoting the harmonious and well-rounded development of people's body, mentality, and communities. The influence of sport on society, economy, culture, ecology is the derived function of sports, which is the extension of the essential function of sport in all areas.