Welcome to 5th Annual Sports in Africa Symposium

The Center for Sports Administration and the Institute for the African Child are please to present an extended summary of the 5th Annual Sports in Africa conference. The meaningful dialogue on the interface of sports and Africa among academics, practitioners, media, NGOs and the public the Sports and Africa Symposium established since its inception in 2004, has continued.

This year presentations explored the relationships between sports, communication and media with a special emphasis on the relationship between local and international media and the first ever FIFA World organization in South Africa.

Beyond communication and media, the conference presentations addressed a wide range of topics related to African Sports. Judy McPherson the keynote speaker introduced the audience to Play Soccer, sport and development organization she created and leads in several African countries. 

The keynote was followed by round table discussion on the last African Cup of Nations (CAN) in Ghana as well as the problematic of African football through historical, technical, economical and political perspectives. The Emmanuel Gift’s introduced the topic of disability in Africa and the potential role of sports in addressing the rights of physically challenged citizens.

The multi-disciplinary approach has allowed scholars and practitioners to explore multiple dimensions of African sport with themes such as, traditional wrestling, digital media and sport, satellite and cable television in football, women and football, etc.
Special recognition to the continuing and special support of the College of Health and Human Services, the African Studies program and the Center of Sports Administration.

Our gratitude to the Multicultural Program, the College of Education, the African American Studies, the Scripps College of Communication, Follet’s Bookstore and Kroger Athens for their consistent sponsorship since the inception of the conference in 2004.
The Organization