University of Kentucky College of Education
University of Kentucky College of Education
KINESIOLOGY & HEALTH PROMOTION
SPORT DIPLOMACY
Sports are an intrinsic part of the American life — bringing folks together on the field , in the backyard and around the TV . But sports are also bringing people together in an even bigger way — people from different continents , cultures and walks of life — thanks to a concept called sports diplomacy .
Emerging disability sports leaders visited the University of Kentucky this summer .
“ Sport is a powerful vehicle ,” said Carol Mushett , a clinical assistant professor at the University of Kentucky College of Education and director of the UK Global Center for Sport Diplomacy . “ It transcends languages and cultural differences and can teach many valuable lessons .”
The Global Center for Sport Diplomacy , a new initiative led by Mushett and Ben Johnson , who is professor and chair of the UK College of Education ’ s Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion , is focused on using sports to connect people and empower them with confidence , health and wellness , and visibility .
“ For women and girls in particular , sport can build confidence , and for those with disabilities it can do that and more ,” Mushett said .
Mushett and Johnson have led sport programs in many countries across the world for marginalized communities and sport and education leaders . They follow a similar model each time , but adjust it according to a country ’ s culture . This summer , the pair , along with two College of Education students and Assistant Professor Mindy Ickes , traveled to Tanzania , an East African country , to promote human rights and positive social change through sports for people with disabilities . The program was funded by the U . S . Department of State ’ s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs ’ SportsUnited division .
“ In Africa , less than one percent receive any rehabilitation ,” Mushett said . “ Sport can ’ t be a substitute for that , but it can produce many of the same outcomes .”
The U . N . estimates approximately 80 million people are living with disabilities in Africa , and many have been fighting for rights , services and dignity for decades .
“ We know that when it comes to human rights , invisibility is at the core of an absence of those rights ,” Mushett said . “ Sports create visibility .”
12 | COE COMMUNICATOR | OCTOBER 2016