The Race to Transform

Download or read book The Race to Transform written by Ashwin Desai and published by HSRC Publishers. This book was released on 2010 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Race to Transform provides a challenging exploration of how sport reflects matters such as inequality, racial transformation and the making (or otherwise) of a common South African destiny. To date, much sports writing in South Africa has been celebratory, paying attention to 'big' moments like the winning of the Rugby World Cups, and hosting the Soccer World Cup. With the lens focused on national teams, the impact of South Africa's transition on township sport has received less attention. This book provides a view on the relationship between elite and grassroots sport in the context of growing economic disparities and the emergence of an influential black middle and super-rich class. The contributors, a mix of activist intellectuals and those directly involved in the game, outline an agenda for both theory and practice in the ongoing debate about sport and transformation in South Africa. Every sports lover who senses the power of politics and economics over his or her beloved game should read this book. Written in a style that is accessible and interesting, it is essential reading for administrators, social scientists and people with an interest in social change.