Posted by Stacy Rod on April 27, 2008 at 11:46:51:
Olympism vs the Olympics:
A Sport in Society Roundtable Event
DATE: May 6, 2008
TIME: 6pm
LOCATION: John D. O'Bryant African American Institute
Northeastern University
The Olympics were founded upon a humanistic vision of sport's potential to foster peace and dignity. Historically, however, nations and athletes have struggled to resolve and understand the discrepancies between Olympism as an ideal and the contextual reality of the modern Olympic Games.
Recent events surrounding the 2008 Beijing Games provide an opportunity to gather and dialogue about the power of sport and to what extent the Olympics actually promote peace and dignity. Athletes and activists have taken action to leverage the phenomena of sport by speaking out against practices they see as antithetical to the Olympic movement. But are the Games an appropriate place for protest?
Should the Olympics be used as a platform for social and political activism? If so, how far should these protests go and who should be the ones protesting? How can athletes who do strive for the ideals of Olympism be supported in their efforts?
Featuring:
Nathaniel Mills, U.S. Olympic Speed Skater and Director of the
Olympism Project
Whitney Post, U.S. Olympic Rower and Women's Sports Foundation
Jennifer Molina, Mexican Olympic Soccer Player and Sport in Society
Eli A. Wolff, U.S. Paralympic Soccer Player and Sport in Society
Andy Wise, U.S. Paralympic Powerlifter
Roz Puleo, Right to Play
Tina Noles, U.S. Olympic Alumni Association
For more information or to RSVP contact:
Meghan Mahoney | me.mahoney@neu.edu | 617.373.3159