Final answer:
Functionalists view sport as contributing to the smooth functioning of a society by promoting common values and stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functionalists view society as a system in which all parts work together to create society as a whole. They believe that sport contributes to the smooth functioning of a society by promoting common values and generating stability. For example, sports events like the Olympic Games bring people from different nations together, fostering unity and cooperation. This understanding of sport aligns with the functionalist perspective, which emphasizes the role of culture in meeting social and personal needs.