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DEPARTMENTS

A. The Hillary Model
B. Sport enterprise initiatives
C. Celebrity philanthropy
D. Promotional feats
E. Extremes
F. Team sports
G. Promotional events
H. Recurrent events
I. Global and regional games
J. Sport tourism
K. Diplomacy
L. Sport-Dev-Peace news
M. Dance
N. Martial Arts
O. Left Field

Kwauk, C., 2009-03-22 "Reconceptualizing sport for development and peace" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the 53rd Annual Conference of the Comparative and International Education Society, Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina . 2009-11-10 from http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p298572_index.html

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed

Abstract: As the popularity of using sport and physical education as tools for international development has increased around the globe, few scholars have critically examined the local socio-cultural effects of using sport to achieve the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. Drawing from case studies from Asia and the Pacific, I argue that deploying sport for development without first critically analyzing how it is constructed as a tool actually perpetuates existing social orders and political structures, while promoting less than ideal global “benchmarks” in development. Furthermore, I argue that using sport, as it is currently understood in the development context, is an extension of Western cultural neo-imperialism made less threatening in the name of education and development. In this paper, I use critical feminist and post-colonial theories to analyze and compare the deeper socio-political meanings and implications of using sport for development in the Asia Pacific region, and to explore possible ways of reshaping and reconceptualizing sport as a space for development that is both culturally appropriate and community-based.

 
 
 
 

Links forwarded by Roger Payne (Moonlight, 1854 Leysin, Switzerland):

Independent Backpacker Tourism: Key to Development in Remote Mountain Destinations, by Seth Sicroff, Empar Alos, and Roshan Shrestha. Published in the MMSEA Proceedings, 2002. [.pdf] This article is about trekking tourism, which we at MM believe deserves more recognition as a sport. In Nepal, for instance, trekking is a rigorous, goal-oriented activity, in many cases indisguishable from mountaineering, and even from mountain climbing.

ABSTRACT:

Multifunctionality of mountain ecosystems is a goal that is sometimes most compatible with independent backpacker tourism. Resilient to economic and political disturbance, undemanding in terms of infrastructure development, and driven by motives compatible with cultural and natural conservation, independent backpackers can also respond quickly to new recreational opportunities.

This paper has four sections. In the first, we review current trends in ecotourism. We conclude that the there are two distinct trends. On the one hand, the term has been widely used to promote a wide variety of operations, which collectively constitute "business as usual." On the other hand, the concept as used by "purists" does not, in the case of most remote mountain destinations, offer a means of sustainable development.

The second section describes an ecotourism project in Lijiang (Yunnan province, China). We believe that the failure of this project offers object lessons as to the pitfalls of benevolent development assistance. The objective was to promote independent backpacker tourism as a means of expanding economic opportunity while fostering cultural and natural conservation. This project may serve as a useful example of how opportunities can be recognized and yet missed.

The third section describes another tourism development program in Rolwaling, Nepal. This program is being implemented by Bridges: Projects in Rational Tourism Development, an organization directed by the authors of this paper. We hope that this innovative project will serve as a pilot for similar programs elsewhere.

In the fourth section we propose strategies for the expansion of independent trekking tourism, based on two survey studies as well as observations in Nepal and China.

 

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
Our National Parks, 1901, page 56.

The Vacation Aversion: Extended Cut (KCTS TV Channel 9)

 
 

Skeena Watershed On August 15, Ali Howard successfully completed a 28-day 610-km swim of the Skeena River. Her goals:

  1. raise awareness of the Skeena as one of North America’s greatest rivers;
  2. draw attention to threats to the Skeena watershed;
  3. connect communities around a sustainable vision for the Skeena’s future.

India for using sports for development and peace Article in Bio-Medicine, 11/5/2006; Source: IANS

India has emphasised the need for the UN system to undertake greater activities related to sports to promote peace and to develop indicators// and benchmarks for evaluating and monitoring such activities.

India recognises the positive value of sport as an instrument that can bring people together in a neutral and apolitical setting, Indian delegate Mufti Mohammed Sayeed said Friday during a debate in the UN General Assembly.

"In our neighbourhood, the game of cricket has sometimes served as an instrument of diplomacy, adding a new phrase to our lexicon, namely 'cricket diplomacy'," Mufti said.

India has taken note of the secretary-general's suggestion to member states for maximising the positive impact of sports.

India remains engaged with the efforts of the special adviser to the secretary-general on Sport for Development and Peace, including moves to organise the United Nations Global Youth Leadership Summit.

"We are convinced that the engagement of youth will help energise the efforts of countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. We support efforts by the UN system to generate awareness among the youth through such initiatives," Mufti said.

The high degree of competitiveness in international sports has led to nurturing of talent from a tender age, and to greater emphasis on physical training along scientific lines.

Despite resource constraints, India has been making efforts to broadbase sports and infrastructure.

The government has focused its attention on the need for upgrading the skills of coaches and provision of adequate sports-science backup.

The government has encouraged the national sports federations to function more efficiently and is facilitating the active involvement of business and industry in the promotion of sports, Mufti said.

Contact

If you are interested in participating in Moving Mountains or have any feedback, contact Mountain Legacy Projects Coordinator Seth Sicroff at sicroff@gmail.com; 511 W. Green St., Ithaca NY, 14850 USA; (607) 256-0102.