Sport and The Body: An Introduction from Kenneth L. Shropshire
For the 2019-2020 academic year, the Global Sport Institute will explore the theme of Sport and the Body.
In the Institute’s inaugural year our theme was Sport 2036, which focused on the future of sport. We supported research projects ranging from the future of sport participation, to the future of sports equipment. We even funded ventures like Hoolest, working to improve sport performance with technology. This past year we examined Race and Sport Around the Globe, and celebrated sports history milestones like the anniversary of Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ iconic protest at the 1968 Olympics. It’s important to know that the introduction of a new theme year does not foreclose research and events on previous topics. Instead, it provides us with a refreshed primary point of focus and emphasis to inspire research and programming throughout this next academic year.
Why Sport and The Body?
At the most basic level, the body is where sports performance begins. Now more than ever, athletes can fine-tune their bodies to maximize performance in ways that were once unimaginable. Beyond its relation to athletic performance, the outward perception of the body itself has come under more scrutiny within a sporting context. Topics include the diversity of athletic bodies, adaptive sport, gender identity and representation within sport, body image, athlete mental health, genetic testing, and more.
Beyond traditional research deliverables, we are also at work on a few documentaries related to the Sport and The Body theme. One is exploring hair and Black girls’ participation in sport, while another takes a biographical look at the price one pays with their body for greatness. Our work following a transgender athlete’s transition in Lauren’s Heart will be delivered in documentary, as well as through our media site, globalsportmatters.com.
We invite everyone, anywhere, in a variety of methods to participate with the theme of Sport and The Body, and welcome your collaboration with the Global Sport Institute as a whole.
Upcoming Sport and The Body Events
Sport and The Body: Theme Launch Luncheon
We begin with the launch on August 29 at 11:45am on ASU’s Tempe campus. We'll present details of the new theme and corresponding research grants available for the 2019-2020 academic year including topics, policies, and deadlines, as well as research grants unrelated to the theme.
Then we'll host talks and conversations between a multidisciplinary group of speakers, including Dr. Deborah Helitzer (Dean of ASU College of Health Solutions), Dr. Teri Pipe ASU (Chief Well-Being Officer and former Dean of the ASU College of Nursing and Health Innovation), Dr. Robert Turner (Department of Clinical Research and Leadership at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Science), Dr. Siddhartha Angadi (ASU College of Health Solutions), Dr. Charles H. Adler (Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic), and others. Speakers will discuss the breadth of topics we can explore within Sport and the Body, including social sciences, hard sciences, and humanities.
This event is free but expected to reach capacity. RSVP by clicking here. Can't attend in-person? Go to https://www.ustream.tv/asutv at the start of the event and/or register for a "live stream" ticket to receive e-mail reminders on when to tune in!
Sport For Every Body: Celebrating Family Health & Fitness Day
On September 28 we will host “Sport for Every Body” along with our community partner Ability360, at their world-class facilities of the Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center. At this event attendees will learn and try out adaptive sports activities from experts, hear from diverse and inspiring athletes, and learn about community resources in an active, family-friendly, fun, and welcoming atmosphere. RSVP by clicking here.
Save the Date: 2020 Global Sport Summit
The year will culminate with our 2020 Global Sport Summit at the Hotel Palomar in downtown Phoenix on April 2-3, 2020. Click here for more details on what to expect. Visit our website https://globalsport.asu.edu for many other engagements throughout the year. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
For more content that goes beyond wins and losses, head to globalsportmatters.com.
The Global Sport Institute cares for the health and safety of all its readers. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or need someone to talk to, please take action now by calling 1-800-273-8255 or by visiting suicidepreventionlifeline.org. For other resources, visit the Mental Health Resources Guide.