Managing Needs
Featured Standing Together Against Racism in Sport (STARS): Racial Literacy and Capacity for Anti-racism Action in Community Sport
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Dana M Young, Karen Block
We present findings from STARS (Standing Together Against Racism in Sport); a novel participatory action research project designed to enhance racial literacy and capacity for anti-racism action in community sports settings. Previous research has found that efforts to increase diversity in these settings are hampered by a range of systemic exclusionary factors and racist encounters; from institutional resistance to accommodating difference to racist abuse (Young & Block, 2023). Moreover, club members are generally ill-equipped to address racism and support victims when it occurs (Farquharson et al., 2019). STARS was implemented in Melbourne, Australia from 2020 to 2023, and involved researchers partnering with a community-based not-for-profit organisation, Welcoming Clubs to design and deliver Active Inclusion (racial literacy) and Upstander Anti-Racism training to community clubs. Survey responses (n = 231) indicated that a minority of participants who had experienced and/or witnessed racism ‘did something’ about it. This contrasted with the 90% of survey respondents who either strongly agreed or agreed that they ‘stand up against all forms of discrimination’. These findings are contextualised by analysis of indicative racial literacy. Responses indicated that while most participants readily identified overt racialised abuse as racism, when asked whether examples of structural and more ‘casual’ forms of discrimination represented racism, they were more likely to answer ‘no’ or ‘unsure’. Interview findings suggest that the STARS training was appreciated as a valuable first step for clubs to tackle racism and exclusion. For anti-racism efforts to be effective, enhanced racial literacy is a fundamental first step.
The Impact of Public Parks on Park Users' Quality of Life in Hong Kong
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Ada Fong
This study explores the impact of public parks on the quality of life of park users in Hong Kong. As one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Hong Kong faces unique challenges in providing accessible green spaces. Public parks are crucial for urban well-being, offering opportunities for recreation, stress relief, physical health, and social interaction. However, there is limited research on how these benefits manifest in Hong Kong’s distinct urban context. The research evaluates the role of public parks in enhancing physical and mental health, promoting social cohesion, and improving overall quality of life. It also seeks to understand user satisfaction with park facilities and its influence on perceived benefits. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and observational studies to capture diverse perspectives and usage patterns. Quantitative data is analyzed statistically to assess correlations between park use and health or social benefits, while qualitative data provides deeper insights into user experiences. The expected outcomes include evidence-based recommendations for optimizing park design and management to maximize public benefits. This research holds significance for urban planners and policymakers in Hong Kong, providing actionable insights to improve the provision of green spaces in a high-density urban setting. By demonstrating the value of public parks, this study contributes to better urban planning practices and enriches global literature on the role of green spaces in enhancing urban quality of life.
From Decline to Dominance: Odisha’s Role in Transforming Indian Hockey
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Vijay Kumar Vijayan
Hockey, once India's national sport, faced a decline in popularity and performance in recent decades. However, Odisha, an economically weaker state in Eastern India prone to natural disasters, has emerged as a beacon of hope for the sport. By becoming the official sponsor of the Indian men's and women's hockey teams (2018–2036), hosting prestigious events like the Hockey World Cup in 2018 and 2023, and investing in world-class infrastructure such as the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela (recognized by Guinness World Records), Odisha has redefined itself as the "Hockey Capital of India." The proposed study explores how Odisha's innovative sports management and stakeholder collaboration have revitalized hockey, offering a model for other regions and sports. Grounded in the Resource-Based View, Sports Development Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, it examines how unique resources, strategic investments, and stakeholder roles have driven hockey's resurgence. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative and quantitative data. Primary data is collected through interviews with policymakers, sports administrators, coaches, and players, while secondary data is drawn from government reports, sports federation records, and media coverage. Case studies of the Hockey World Cup, are analyzed to assess Odisha's impact on hockey's growth. Expected outcomes include insights into the establishment of world-class infrastructure, the economic and social impact of hosting international events and the role of public-private partnerships in sustaining hockey's growth and commercialization. This study highlights Odisha's transformative role in sports management, offering a replicable model for sports development globally.
