In order to increase student engagement across countries via student interaction in debates, the Chair of Sport and Health Management teamed up with the Coventry University and the University of the West of Scotland, to organize an online symposium. Master students from the above-mentioned universities participated in formal discussions on human rights issues in the mega-sport event context. For this purpose, groups with an international representation for each side of the debate were formed and pro/con stances were allocated. Example statements include:
· Mega-sport events are a means for political repression.
· The hosting of the FIFA World Cup excludes vulnerable stakeholder groups in the decision-making process.
· Mega-sport events lead to the infringement of labor rights in the host city.
More than 80 students participated in debates about such topics. After the arguments have been put forward, debate participants received feedback from a senior-level expert in that specific area and students had the chance to vote for the more convincing group.
Based on the voting of the students who had gained an overview based on scientific evidence and the debates, two-third of the participants agreed that mega-sport events are an effective platform for athletes to stand up against social issues such as racism. This means that the IOC should reflect on whether they allow athletes to stand up for promoting human rights in the context of the event or not. As of now, there are formal regulations that strictly limit athlete voices. Students strongly felt that this must change.
Further, the majority of the attendees approved that governance structures of organizations, such as the IOC and the FIFA, need serious improvements in order to allow for the protection and promotion of human rights. The students argued that more transparency and independence of external stakeholders that monitor the IOC’s and FIFA’s involvement in human rights are needed and that the governance structures need to specify how this can be ensured.
The online symposium was a great success, not only offering students the ability to improve their debate competencies in cross-cultural contexts, but also allowing participants to increase their personality development, by receiving feedback from senior-level mentors. They further increased their understanding of how to design and host sport events that lever sustainability and human rights. The Chair of Sport and Health Management would like to thank all collaborators and participants for their enriching contributions.
Contact
Chair of Sport and Health Management
Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer
Team assistant: Mirjam Merz
Uptown München Campus D
Georg-Brauchle-Ring 60/62
80992 Munich
Phone +49.89.289.24559
Fax +49.89.289.24642
info.mgt@sg.tum.de