EXPERT ADVISORY: 6 February 2018 – R00026
The eyes of the world will be watching Friday when the 2018 Olympic Winter Games open in PyeongChang South Korea.
The Olympics are always a fascinating mix of storylines that blend athletic accomplishments with political climates and tensions, along with international social and economic issues.
Brock University has numerous experts available to speak to the media about a wide variety of Olympic-related issues:
Kinesiology Professor Stephen Cheung is a Canada Research Chair in Environmental Ergonomics who conducts cutting-edge research on human physiology and performance in extreme environments. Cheung has worked with numerous elite athletes and teams on sport science, and can comment on the challenges facing winter sport athletes and why people should be careful about heading outside to mimic their Olympic heroes in frigid temperatures.
Sport Management Associate Professor Hilary Findlay can comment on issues around athletes’ rights and the regulatory systems that oversee major games such as the Olympics. Her research has examined the impact of anti-doping measures on athletes, human rights issues around athlete eligibility and the use of athlete agreements for commercial purposes.
Sport Management Associate Professor Shannon Kerwin can comment on the social impact of hosting major games such as the Olympics. Kerwin’s research focuses on the sense of community and civic engagement that come along with hosting major sporting events.
Sport Management Associate Professor Olan Scott, who recently joined Brock University’s Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, is available to comment on sport-specific issues related to the Olympics, as well as the issue of nationalism when it comes to fandom during the Games.
Sport Management Associate Professor Julie Stevens is an expert in international ice hockey issues and impacts of major sport events. Stevens has researched all aspects of hockey, including women in the sport, the business and governance of the game, Canadian identity and nationalism, Olympic hockey history and more. From the event angle, Stevens can comment about the economic, social and environmental impact of major sports on a region.
Sport Management Professor Lucie Thibault can comment on the Canadian sport system and issues around sport policy. Her research has focused on the Canadian government’s involvement in sport excellence and athlete involvement in sport governance. Thibault is co-editor of the books Contemporary Sport Management and Sport Policy in Canada.
Labour Studies Assistant Professor Simon Black can talk about the labour and funding issues that come up during Olympic Games. Black can comment on the levels of funding and government support for the Olympics, as well as the concept of athletes being poorly-paid public sector workers. He can also discuss any issues surrounding racism and sexism that may come up during the Games.
Political Science Associate Professor Charles Burton is a world-renowned expert on Asian politics and policy. Burton can comment on the complicated regional politics at play in South Korea and what impact that may have on these Olympics Games.
For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:
* Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970
Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.
– 30 –
