The Impact of Sport on Wellbeing in Communities with Tension and Violence

Presenter: Elizabeth Lathrop

Faculty Sponsor: Muzzo Uysal

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Conflict and Peace Studies

Session: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, Auditorium, A72

ABSTRACT

In a time where cultural differences and world violence are at the forefront of news and media outlets, it is crucial to find ways to reconcile differences. Countries with cultural differences, civil conflicts, and tensions with other countries lead to community conflicts that can and have been mediated with sport. Through sport leagues and Sport for Development and Peace programs, community members’ wellbeing is positively impacted by participating in a sport. This study focuses on the impacts sport has on communities in the United States of America with tension and/or violence. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of both the impacts sport has on a person’s wellbeing and how sport leagues lead to greater feelings of belonging and inclusion of community members. This study will work to encourage diverse areas with conflicts in the United States to adopt Sport for Development and Peace programs to alleviate cultural differences and/or conflicts within these areas.

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