Sport as a Bridge Across the Racial Divide

Authors

Richard E. Lapchick Ph.D., Director, Institute for Diversity and Ethics of Sport, University of Central Florida

Date of this Version

November 2005

Abstract

In racial tumultuous times, it is not easy to find ways to build a bridge to close the gap between various racial groups. New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina forced America to confront race and poverty in ways we have not been able to do in recent years. With college campuses being the third biggest site for hate crimes in America today, the concept of teamwork in sport presents us with a rare opportunity to bring different racial groups together on an equal playing field. The presentation will focus on this special role sport plays but also elaborate on how we can transfer the lessons of teamwork into society.