Meaningful Sport Exchange at Public Lecture

A public lecture by two world renowned lecturers addressed key challenges faced in sport and provided meaningful exchange of knowledge between various role players in attendance. The lecture was hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Cape Town on Tuesday, 3 December 2013.

Professor Joe Maguire from Great Britain presented the topic, “Violence in and around Sport: Reasons, Connections and Social Causes”. Maguire pointed out that role players have to be tough on sport violence, but tougher on the causes of it. He also discussed participant and spectator violence in sport.

Professor Ana Claudia Porfirio Couto from Brazil presented the topic, “The social impact of the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Olympics in Brazil in the area of Sport for Development and Peace”. Couto said it’s important to prevent sport violence for the promotion of peace.

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer said that the Department is proud to be associated with this lecture. “We believe in evidence-based practices and are happy to receive advice and share knowledge based on research.”

DCAS Chief Director of Sport and Recreation Advocate Lyndon Bouah added that sport violence is a reality in South Africa.  “Such exchanges are important if we want to promote social inclusion and nation building to impact the lives of many.” Discussions are ongoing where role players could exchange knowledge on a range of topics in the coming months.