Improving Health and Well-Being in Society: How Can Sport Help (Or Hurt)?

Abstract

Sport has considerable power that, appropriately applied, can contribute to improving health and well-being in society. In this symposium, we adopt a broad perspective on “health and well-being in society”, consistent with AOM’s 2018 call and examine the ways in which sport can influence health and wellbeing in society (not always in a positive manner) Our three panel discussions will move from the influence of sport on individual participants, and in turn, on society; to the influence of college sport on participating athletes, the university, and society; and the phenomenon of sport team– healthcare system partnerships and their effects on individual and community health and wellbeing. Our two discussants will focus on how the topics addressed by each presenter might better contribute to the health and well-being of society.