By Yannick Rinker, PhD candidate, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz
Between the 12th of May and the 13th of June 2023, I had the privilege to participate in a month-long research trip to Canada, primarily engaging with the University of Western Ontario (UWO) and a two-week immersion at the EventRights Training School, which was led by Professor Laura Misener.
The research trip facilitated a multi-dimensional exploration of sports events, with a particular emphasis on human rights, climate change impacts, community development, and career management in the context of mega-sporting events. The richness of the discussions, combined with the cultural immersion and networking opportunities, provided a comprehensive and insightful experience.
The first two weeks at the University of Western Ontario proved to be an illuminating period. The conversations during this time ranged across a spectrum of topics related to sports events, with an underpinning theme of human rights. One of the key discussions revolved around the correlation between mega-sport events and societal elements such as renewal, gentrification, and community development. Ethical research considerations were a significant component of our dialogue, with particular reference to the conduct and dissemination of research within these sensitive areas. It was a consensus that responsible research is instrumental in informing and shaping policies to drive positive societal change in the wake of mega-events. Another noteworthy topic was the environmental footprint of mega-events, specifically the implications of climate change. The interplay between these events and climate change underlined the urgent need for eco-friendly practices in their planning and execution. Such practices are critical not only to mitigate the environmental impacts but also to leverage these events as platforms for promoting environmental awareness.
Career management in the sports event industry also received a great deal of attention, offering invaluable insights into the dynamic and competitive nature of this field. This facilitated a better understanding of the skills and strategies needed to thrive in this industry, a knowledge base that would be of immense use for those aspiring to make their mark in this field. It included among others the topics of knowledge transfer, AI use in research as well as teaching.
The research trip also included a full-day round trip to Toronto. The day was a blend of educational visits and recreational activities, culminating with an exciting Toronto FC game in the evening. The experience provided a unique perspective on the city’s vibrant sports culture and its significance in shaping local identity.
A standout feature of the trip was the networking opportunities. The participants and I built a substantial network, comprising academicians, industry professionals, students, and local community members. This diverse network will undoubtedly prove beneficial for future collaborations and knowledge exchange.
An integral part of my research journey during this trip involved conceptualizing a comprehensive environmental cost-benefit analysis (ECBA) specifically tailored for mega-sport events. Although the initial idea for this research wasn’t directly birthed from this project, the experiences, discussions, and training during the trip served as invaluable inputs, enriching the depth and quality of my work. The ECBA represents a systematic approach to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the environmental impacts of mega-sport events. It seeks to identify, evaluate, and compare the environmental costs and benefits associated with these events, thereby providing stakeholders with a tangible measure of the ecological implications.
Yannick would like to thank the RISE project of the European Union, as well as Prof. Dr. Jörg Königstorfer and his team, and Prof. Dr. Holger Preuß and his team. Finally, Yannick would like to express his deepest gratitude to Laura Misener and his team, as well as to the entire UWO team. These were exceptionally instructive weeks that will remain in his memory.