Alumni Default

Malthouse to discuss sport’s impact on society

A La Trobe University forum is exploring the impact of sport on Australian society and communities.

Mick Malthouse, AFL coach and Vice‐Chancellor’s Fellow at La Trobe University, will join La Trobe University Professor Russell Hoye and sports lawyer and ex‐Olympic rower Margot Foster to debate these questions at an Ideas and Society panel discussion on Monday 14 April 2014.

The panel will be chaired by Professor Robert Manne, convenor of the Ideas and Society program.

‘Nelson Mandela believed that sport had the power to change the world,’ Professor Manne said. ‘Fifty years on, what role does sport play in Australian society and communities?’

‘With a coach, a sports lawyer and a sports academic on the panel, the event will explore very different perspectives on the topic,’ Professor Manne said.

Professor Hoye, Director of the Centre for Sport and Social Impact at La Trobe University, said sport has long been considered central to the Australian psyche.

‘Sport has been seen as the “social glue” that binds our communities,’ Professor Hoye said.

‘It has also been seen as unique in providing an environment for building character, resilience and leadership for individuals.

‘This panel will explore whether these claims still ring true in Australia,’ Professor Hoye said.

‘Is sport still important for Australians? How do we know? Does playing sport bring people together or are some members of society excluded? Does being involved in sport build character?’

EVENT DETAILS

What: Ideas and Society panel event: Sport and Life

When: Monday 14 April 2014, 12.30pm – 2.00pm

Where: John Scott Meeting House, La Trobe University, Bundoora

Attendance: All welcome, no RSVP required

Webcast: Available live and after the event at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/ideas‐and‐society

Social media: Follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #ideasandsociety