How sport can drive change for a better world
“Social justice issues are becoming as much a part of sport as the act of throwing, catching, hitting or kicking a ball. Sport and causes related to our shared humanity – and a liveable planet – are explicitly connected.” Craig Foster, Adjunct Professor, Sport and Social Responsibility, Torrens University Australia.
If sport’s most important stakeholders (athletes and fans) are not supported in their causes – whether they be environmental, racial or gender inequality, representation, abuse or exploitation –the credibility of sporting organisations will be damaged.
As stakeholders become increasingly discerning about brands they wish to be associated with, sport’s failure to recognise its social responsibilities will lead to disengagement and loss of income.
More and more, athletes and organisations are stepping up to the plate, using their platforms to take a stand against social injustice and start important conversations. Indeed, promoting positive change is in everyone’s best interests – and vital for the future of the industry. We must all become activists, in local sporting communities and beyond.
Professional Basketballer | Sports Inclusivity Activist | Spoken Word Poet
“Society’s expectations are changing, and sport is being forced to adapt. It will be up to the next generation of players, coaches and fans to ensure human rights and equality underpin sport, and to make an impact on the social, economic and climate issues facing our communities,” says Craig.
“There is no doubt that it is complex, but it is time for the sporting world to rally – for athletes, sporting bodies, organisations and fans, to harness the powerful, wide-reaching platform of sport to stand up and speak out.”
Empowering organisations to drive change for global good
In collaboration with the Socceroo legend and human rights activist, Torrens University has developed Sport for Good. This suite of free online short courses explore sport’s growing role to drive change for a better world.
From management to community services, these courses explore the history of sports activism, the changing landscape and global challenges of today through the eyes of athletes such as Naomi Osaka, Lewis Hamilton and LeBron James who are leading the charge for change.
Expect to hear from the industry’s key players, including former Matilda’s captain and PFA Co-Chief Executive Kathryn Gill, ex-rugby star Sonny Bill Williams, as well as former Wallabies captain turned political candidate David Pocock. They’re part of a growing community of sporting personalities who are using their voices to promote global good – and challenge anyone listening to do the same.
“My hope is that the global sporting landscape is going to be fundamentally different in years to come,” says Craig.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure that it continues to shift for the better and that future generations of sport leaders and management professionals at all levels strive for a higher purpose by using the social power of sport for good.”
Find out more: https://www.torrens.edu.au/studying-with-us/study-options/short-courses/sport-for-good
