An examination of the influence of ancient Greece on the modern Olympic Games, the effect that religion, politics and finance has had in its evolvement.
Abstract This paper examines the origins and history of the Olympic Games. The original purpose and ideals of the creators have changed with time to what exists today. The influence of sponsorship, religion and politics are examined.
Introduction
The Site of the Games
The Olympic Program in Ancient Greece
Influence on Modern Sports
Athletes, Officials, and Spectators in Modern Sports
The Victors and Rewards in Ancient Greece
The Role of Women in Ancient Greece
The Politics in the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece
Politics in Modern Sports
Conclusion
From the Paper "Researchers assert that, in the 1990s, more athletes and sports personalities than ever before have started to candidly articulate their religious faith in the presence of their adversaries, teammates, admirers, as well as, television cameras. They go down on your knees. They pray. They yell. They revel and position their fingers to the heavens, presenting thanks to the God, who they articulate has given them the bravery and power to contend and succeed in their selected sports. And when their workday is complete and their term is ended, they carry on to spread their religious expressions in the world outside sports, by means of their standing and superstar personality to attract both the juvenile and the old in a similar way into campgrounds, associations, programs, as well as, organizations whose reason is to serve the god."
Abstract The paper begins by illustrating the Pilates plan's success as the preferred alternative fitness plan. The paper explains the six major Pilates principles: breathing, concentration, centering, precision, control and movement flow/rhythm and the stability ball that is central to these exercises. The writer discusses the beneficial effects these exercises have on the body and explains that daily lives become more pain free and athletic abilities are enhanced. The paper concludes that the Pilates exercises will continue to gain popularity, helping to reduce pain and improving a person's performance in general.
From the Paper "In Pilates, there exists a monumental focus on the quality of each movement, rather than the number of repetitions or rapidity with which they are performed. The body moves as one integrated unit, instead of isolating separate parts. Keeping proper alignment and form are crucial during exercise for achieving maximum benefits as well as preventing injury. (Crawford, 2002)
As Crawford writes, "Furthermore, training on a stability ball provides numerous benefits similar to those of Pilates, such as increased muscle tone and flexibility, improved posture, coordination and a greater sense of body awareness. The most significant difference is how the ball addresses core stabilization. Exercising on an unstable surface forces automatic recruitment of the body's core muscles to hold a position of balance."
Abstract This paper explains that Bill Russell was a sports figure who offers his eleven lessons on leadership based on his time as a basketball player. The author points out that, in "Russell Rules", Russel adapted sport leadership to other arenas such as business and politics. The paper relates how Russell's ideas are in keeping with the ideas of other business leaders who have written advice books for future leaders.
From the Paper "Bill Russell is a sports figure who sets forth eleven lessons on leadership. Clearly, these lessons were developed in a sporting context and can be applied to team efforts, suggesting ways of being a leader and of empowering others to do their best. These lessons are applicable in many other contexts, of course, including business, political situations, and similar areas where leadership is needed and where the individual can follow these rules to achieve his or her best. The leadership lessons Russell offers are comparable to those offered by other business leaders who similarly want to empower others to achieve the most they can achieve. Russell's approach shows clearly that there is a link between all forms of leadership and efforts at achieving personal excellence so that business leaders and sports leaders can learn from and teach one another lessons that apply in both realms and that lead to success."
Abstract This paper examines how the image of Michael Jordan as an African-American was used to sell Nike apparel and how a particular lifestyle was used to promote Nike products. The author points out that will 'rebelliousness' may have been at the heart of Jordan advertising blitz, at least in the early years of the campaign; however, what Nike was really after was a consumer base that would indiscriminately purchase Nike items. The paper concludes that the relationship of Michael Jordan with Nike was one of the most successful partnerships in the history of sports marketing.
From the Paper "This paper explores the relationship between Michael Jordan and Nike. Along the way, this paper looks at how the image of Michael Jordan as an African-American was used to sell Nike apparel and also at how a particular lifestyle was used to promote Nike products. Additionally, this paper focuses briefly on some of the racial dynamics at play in the classic Nike ads featuring Jordan as well as upon how Nike used the concept of 'rebellion' to sell the Jordan line - even if consumer rebellion was hardly what they had in mind. In conclusion, this paper should reinforce yet again how the metaphors found in any commercial reveal deeper truths about a society's yearnings and attitudes. The relationship of Michael Jordan with Nike was one of the most successful partnerships in the history of sports marketing."
Abstract This paper analyzes a study by Eric Pick called "The Economic Effects of a Salary Cap on a Professional Sports League" that attempts to develop and apply an econometric model to the issue. The study is based on a model that is limited, so the most that could emerge from it is a potentially useful formula to be applied on a broader scale than the two team universe addressed by the author and that may or may not be applicable to a variety of different types of sports leagues.
From the Paper "The study by Eric Pick entitled "The Economic Effects of a Salary Cap on a Professional Sports League" is an attempt to develop and apply an econometric model to the subject at hand. The study is based on a model that is limited, so the most that could emerge from it is a potentially useful formula to be applied on a broader scale than the two team universe addressed by the author and that may or may not be applicable to a variety of different types of sports leagues. The same basic issues do apply to different types of sports leagues, and efforts to apply a salary cap have been part of major sports leagues for some time. In 1994, a threatened basketball strike led to an agreement that involved salary caps, among other provisions. In that case, as an end to the players' union was threatened, the players... "
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses today's martial arts. The writer looks at this form of unarmed combat that is associated with Asian culture, philosophy and mysticism. The writer points out that it may be argued that in their incarnation in contemporary North America as sport, these martial arts have lost the underlying philosophical and cultural roots that gave them their fundamental identity.
From the Paper "When one speaks of martial arts today one conceives of unarmed combat in a context pervaded by Asian culture, philosophy and mysticism. Despite different countries of origin - whether it be China (kung-fu), Japan (akido, judo, karate) or Korea (tae kwon do) - these martial arts have all been closely associated with the rich Asian philosophical and cultural traditions that gave them birth."
Abstract The sociology of sport is a sub-division of sociology that studies sport as an aspect of cultural and social life. The paper shows that it may at first seem frivolous to study the sociology of sport, because sport in general may not be seen as a suitable topic for academia. However, it is argued that sport is an extremely important part of our cultural and social life, and that there are many good reasons for studying the sociology of sport.
Abstract This paper discusses how formula one racing is significant because of its appeal throughout the Western world. It looks at how the races occur around the world in countries as varied as the United States, Canada, France, and Monaco and how consequently, these races, also known as Grand Prix races, are internationally popular because of the possibility of rooting for one national hero of the sport.
From the Paper "Any rising popularity of automobile racing in the world today must, of course, pay homage to the form of that race that is recognized to be one of the most refined and esteemed, the Formula One race. Formula One racing is a type of automobile racing that has a century long tradition and history. It is a race form that has developed over the decades to contain elaborate and formal rules and regulations that govern the operation of the races. However, despite these bureaucratic niceties, Formula One racing remains one of the most popular forms of racing in the world today. Formula One racing is significant because of its appeal throughout the Western world. "
Abstract This paper takes a look at the amount of violence in professional hockey, focusing primarily on the case of Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore. This paper goes on to discuss the debate such violence has caused within the world of sport.
From the Paper "The Todd Bertuzzi-Steve Moore incident in the National Hockey League's 2003-2004 season provoked widespread debate in both the sports world and among the general public about the role of violence in professional hockey. In this incident Bertuzzi, in retaliation for an aggressive hit by Moore on one of Bertuzzi's teammates, attacked Moore and accidentally broke his neck. While there was no paralysis, Bertuzzi was indefinitely suspended and Moore was said to be considering lawsuits against Bertuzzi, Bertuzzi's team, and the NHL in general."
Abstract This paper explores the frequently argued case that in the interest of equality between genders that males and females should have the opportunity to compete in sporting events by playing on the same teams. The paper puts forth the argument that this is an unfair practice, as males and females are physiologically dissimilar and males would have the advantage and thus females would be excluded.
From the Paper "It is frequently argued that in the interest of equality between genders that males and females should have the opportunity to compete in sporting events by playing on the same teams (Costa and Guthrie, 6-8). Several female athletes have recently brought this issue to the general public; Mia Hamm, for example, has been referred to as one of the best athletes in the history of the world and was able to outperform her male counterparts in many ways. This suggests that males and females do have the basis for equality within sports, and the opportunity should be provided to allow competition between evenly-matched athletes, regardless of gender."
Abstract This report explores the question of whether women should be permitted to participate in all contact sports. A contextual analysis of this issue reveals that its assumptions are predicated upon historically-defined appropriate gender roles for women that are currently under revision in Western society. Given the increasing popularity of such sports among women, and interest in women's athletics in society in general, it recommends that participation be permitted with the caveat that they can only compete with other female athletes in these contact sports.
Abstract This paper explores perceptions in gender and learning styles to attempt to determine whether learning styles are the primary factor in student accomplishment in the physical education classroom. The focus of the paper is on biological versus socio-cultural factors that determine outcome and predisposition within the physical education classroom for male and female students and teachers.
From the Paper "Gender has been demonstrated to play a role in how students approach learning and education (Penney, 2002; Rink, 2005). The extent to which this occurs is not fully recognized, as it appears difficult to quantify different approaches to learning through gender or through sociological factors that influence behavior for members of either sex. While male and female students both participate in extracurricular athletic abilities, observational data suggests that male students are more likely to openly participate in required physical activity classes than are female students (Dowling, 2001; Penney, 2002; Rink, 2005). Physical education teachers report that it is more difficult to motivate female students into physical activity during required class periods."
Abstract In, "The Last Season: A Team in Search of its Soul", legendary NBA head coach Phil Jackson chronicles the 2003-2004 season of the Los Angeles Lakers, beginning in training camp in Hawaii, on through the turbulent regular season and playoffs, until the day Lakers management told him the team was going to take a different direction. This paper reviews Jackson's book and concludes that Jackson's vast experience as a head coach, his unmatched knowledge of the game of basketball, and the volatile combination of personalities and egos on the 2004 Lakers roster provide for fascinating reading.
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of substance abuse in sports today. The paper points out that of all the controversial issues regarding contemporary sports, such as skyrocketing player salaries, unaffordable ticket prices, over expansion and ridiculously long playoff seasons, the most pressing of all is substance abuse. The paper further discusses how the lenient responses in the past to substance abuse by prominent professional athletes have sent the hypocritical and dangerous message to young athletes of high school age and even younger that substance abuse is not that big a deal and that it OK to use performance enhancing drugs.
Abstract Scholars researching the mass media have argued that the media is both the producer as well as the product of social inequality. As even the briefest review of the magazine rack of any bookstore in Canada would reveal, the dominant imagery in the mass media - or at least the print mass media - is that of young, beautiful females. Sport magazines (e.g., Sports Illustrated, Shape, Women's Fitness) are no exception to this rule. This paper argues the thesis that the representation of women and female athletes in our society reinforces sexism through a calculated representation of the aesthetics of the female body as the sole attribute of value of women in our culture.
