New perspectives from research

The relationship between academic research and the world of sport was the focus of the webinar organised by Panathlon International’s Commission for Culture, Research and Education, dedicated to the themes of justice, public health and inclusion.

The event formed part of the collaboration with MAISI, the Erasmus Mundus international master’s programme in sports ethics and integrity, presented by Professor Silvia Camporesi. The programme involves five European universities and offers interdisciplinary training combining ethics, law, philosophy and sports management, preparing young professionals and researchers to tackle the challenges facing the sector.

The webinar featured two young researchers, who shared their reflections on practical aspects of inclusion in sport.

Claire Nowicki presented research on the participation of refugee women in sport in Europe, highlighting how the good intentions of organisations do not always translate into real opportunities. To make initiatives truly inclusive, it is necessary to consider practical and organisational barriers, but above all to listen to and involve the people for whom they are intended.

Giulia Sesa, meanwhile, examined the difficulties faced by athletes with type 1 diabetes in gaining access to military and civilian sports groups within the Italian state. Using the case of the athlete Anna Arnaudo, she highlighted how certain regulatory criteria can limit career opportunities even for athletes recognised as fit to practise sport.

These two distinct contributions drew attention to a common theme: the value of inclusion is also measured by the concrete choices, rules and opportunities offered by the sporting system.

The webinar thus provided new food for thought – including for clubs – on how ethical principles can be applied in the day-to-day practice of sport.