2024 McGarr Symposium Feb22 2024

The late South African leader Nelson Mandela famously said that sport "has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair." These sentiments are echoed by leaders of the Olympic Games and the hosts of other global events that, we are told, can fuel economic development, transcend social divisions, and ameliorate violence. Thus, sport is often seen as an important resource in diplomatic efforts and development campaigns. At the same time, sport relies on economic and political structures that can stress the environment, exploit workers, and provoke violent political divisions. Thus, the use of sport to obscure political corruption or ethical failures ("sportswashing") is of growing concern. In this symposium, five leading scholars examine the possibilities and limits of using sport as a political tool. The conversation will address global mega-events, diplomacy and soft power, development, sportswashing, activism, and more.
Panelists for the 2024 McGarr Symposium included Dr. Jules Boykoff, Pacific University, Amira Rose Davis, UT-Austin, Dr. Tommy Hunt, UT-Austin, Dr. Lindsay Krasnoff, France and US and Dr. Neftalie Williams, San Diego State University. CSCM Director Dr. Michael Butterworth moderated. This discussion was held in DMC 1.202 on February 22 at 5 pm.