Organizers:

Myer Siemiatycki
Ryerson Polytechnic University
CANADA
msiemiat@acs.ryerson.ca

John Biles
Department of Canadian Heritage
CANADA
John_Biles@pch.gc.ca

Description:

This workshop will explore sports as a field of civic engagement. In diverse, immigrant societies sports are an important expression of identity formation and transformation. Athletics, recreation and sports are played out against multi-layered social relations involving family, community and public resources. In many immigrant communities, sports represents a major element of community bonding and homeland attachment; just as often, sports constitutes a bridge to new activities, friendships and loyalties for newcomer communities.

Through both theoretical and case study examination, this workshop will examine sports as a form of civic participation and belonging. The workshop will be divided into 3 parts. First will be a consideration of the links between sports, civic participation and public policy. Presenters drawn from immigrant communities, government and academic research will consider the role of sports in immigrant community building and integration. Second will be a series of case studies drawn from different countries on issues such as: immigrant community claims on public recreational facilities and programs; the World Cup of Soccer and transnational identities; making space for non-traditional sports; intersections of race, gender, sexual orientation and disability in sports.

The final part of this workshop will feature commentary from NGOs, policy practitioners and academics on themes and issues raised. It is anticipated that this workshop will serve to establish an international network interested in advancing research into immigration, diversity and sports.