Elite sport and sport-for-all (2015)

Sport is often perceived as being divided into two separate domains: mass participation and elite. In many countries, policy and funding in these two fields are managed by separate agencies, and investment is often seen as a choice between the two. Elite Sport and Sport-for-All explores the points of connection and sources of tension between elite and mass participation sport. The book’s multi-disciplinary and international line-up of contributors seeks to define, examine, and develop solutions to this problematic relationship. Drawing on research and case studies from around the world – with examples from Denmark, Canada, South Africa and Israel – the book explores key contemporary issues including:

• does effective talent identification require depth of participation?
• do elite performances inspire greater participation?
• the role of the Paralympic movement in mass participation and elite sport;
• and the economic aspects of their co-existence.