Speakers
Description
Since the announcement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there has been an emphasis on sports as a prominent enabler to promote peace and development objectives. Previous studies and programs have focused on the education of youth development through sports programs and its influence on vulnerable communities. Thus, sport for development and peace (SDP) programs have contributed to creating change through sports as well as making change in sports. Over the past decade; an Official Development Assistance (ODA) education program, established in Korea which focuses on sports development, has expanded its projects to develop the competency of developing nations. In particular, a higher education program which provides a master’s degree in sports management is offered to former athletes and/or sports administrators from developing nations. The program’s main goal is for participants to return to their home countries and apply obtained knowledge. Despite the longevity of this program and its growing number of networking, there is a lack of discussion towards the progress of individual participants and their influences in the sports sector. Therefore, this study explores the experiences of former program recipients whom have established a career in sports. It seeks to understand how a higher education program influences perceptions and approaches towards the sports industry and how obtained knowledge has influenced the participants when (re)starting/continuing their career as sport administrators. Furthermore, this study can contribute to identifying growth and possible challenges in which recipients of SDP and ODA programs encounter.
