Elite Sport and Sport-for-All: Bridging the Two Cultures?

Richard Bailey · Margaret Talbot

Aug 2015 · Routledge

About this ebook

Sport is often perceived as being divided into two separate domains: mass participation and elite . In many countries, policy and funding in these two fields are managed by separate agencies, and investment is often seen as a choice between the two. Elite Sport and Sport-for-All explores the points of connection and sources of tension between elite and mass participation sport. The book’s multi-disciplinary and international line-up of contributors seeks to define, examine, and develop solutions to this problematic relationship.

Drawing on research and case studies from around the world—with examples from Denmark, Canada, South Africa and Israel—the book explores key contemporary issues including:

• does effective talent identification require depth of participation?
• do elite performances inspire greater participation?
• the role of the Paralympic movement in mass participation and elite sport;
• and the economic aspects of their co-existence.

The first study of its kind, Elite Sport and Sport-for-All addresses a central dichotomy in sport policy and, as such, is important reading for all students, researchers, policy-makers or administrators working in sport development and policy.

About the author

The late Professor Margaret Talbot OBE was President of the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education, and a leading authority on physical education and sport

Richard Bailey is Senior Researcher at the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education, and is a well-known writer, researcher, and public speaker on the intersection of physical activity, sport and human development