Do animals enjoy sports & games because theres no pressure to win?

I know this is hardly like a surfing pooch, but my girlfriend plays "foodball" with the local sparrows and starlings. She makes a mix of oats and stuff that they like and throws it for them. Often, if it lands at their feet they aren't interested, but throw another bit that they have to chase and they will go flapping after it like kids. They like to catch it in the air if they can. They like their dinner with a bit of fun "thrown" in.