Elite Sport and Sport-for-All: Bridging the Two Cultures?

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 books 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.

The first study of its kind, Elite Sport and Sport-for-All addresses a central dichotomy in sport policy and, as such, is important reading for all students, researchers, policy-makers or administrators working in sport development and policy.