pmpgenesis

While questions on the legacy of major sporting events in sport, economy, infrastructures and education are regularly debated, the question of their social impact is rarely discussed. Yet, major sports events can and should be catalysts for social change. They are a driving force for a number of factors that encourage greater social cohesion and the emergence of a more peaceful society.

Most rights holders make the societal dimension of sporting events central to their specifications when deciding to award major competitions.

The polarization effect around major sports events is such that, in many cases, this impact, although real during the event, rapidly fades.

Today, the challenge for event organizers is to implement concrete mechanisms, to define specific actions and to identify best practices that will ensure that social impact is both real and effective in the long-term.

Taking specific examples of four major sporting events, past or future, in four continents, Peter Mann moderated a session at Sport and Peace 2009 highlighting how best to translate good intentions into effective action.

To read a summary of debates from this session at Sport and Peace 2009 click here