Markku Rantahalvari: Boycott sporting events the right way!

Published: Category: Blog Tags:

What’s the right thing to do when a country that grossly violates human rights organises and hosts sporting events by questionable means? Our events and education specialist Markku has a few tips for you!

When sporting events are hosted by countries that are notorious for grave violations of human rights and other unethical behaviour, many people doubt whether it’s right even to watch from the comfort of their own home.

Which matters more: following sport or taking a stand against shady political regimes? Check out our tips below to help make your mind up.

Athletes

a) You decide to stay at home.
Very good! You have sound principles.

b) You go to the event.
Very good! You’ve worked hard to earn your place.

c) You plan to protest at the event.
Very good! You could draw a lot of attention to the cause this way. PS In the case of team sports, discuss this with the rest of your team first – you could protest together for even greater impact.

The people behind the team

a) You decide to stay at home.
Very good! You have sound principles.

b) You go to the event.
Very good! Your work is important, as it allows athletes to focus on their performance.

c) You plan to protest at the event.
Very good! However, you should check with the whole team in advance that this is okay and will not affect their performance.

Sport federation leaders and politicians

a) You decide to stay at home.
Very good! You have sound principles.

b) You go to the event.
Very good! As long as there are formal or informal meetings at the event where you can have your say about future events.

c) You are going to the event at the invitation of a dictatorship to enjoy the sport and the atmosphere.
Cancel your plane tickets.

TV viewers

a) You don’t watch a second of the event.
Very good! Audience numbers matter to sponsors, and hurting profits is often the quickest way to bring about change.

b) You watch the event.
Very good! Athletes appreciate all the support they get.

c) You’re going to the event.
You should think again. But if you’ve decided you’re not going to lose any sleep over attending an event that’s well known to involve serious ethical problems, go and have yourself a ball.

Media

a) You attend the event.
Very good – but you won’t be afraid to ask tough questions and speak the inconvenient truth there, will you?

You may also be interested in

  • Why does Putin want to control university sports?

    Published:

    Big money in sports is a major incentive for many people hungry for power. But why did Putin also want to sit on the throne of university sports, where there is less money and fame?

    Read more about article: Why does Putin want to control university sports?

  • Joko puhutaan liikkumisesta? Opiskelijoiden Liikuntaliitto vaatii vaalitavoitteissaan konkreettisia toimia liikunnan edistämiseksi

    Published:

    Mikä toimiala on 1) miljardien arvoinen, 2) kaikkien poliitikkojen suosiossa ja 3) lähes näkymätön vaalikeskusteluissa? Kyse on liikkumisen ja liikunnan edistämisestä. Opiskelijoiden Liikuntaliiton (OLL) kunnianhimoisena tavoitteena onkin tuoda korkeakoululiikunta kevään eduskuntavaalikeskusteluihin.

    Read more about article: Joko puhutaan liikkumisesta? Opiskelijoiden Liikuntaliitto vaatii vaalitavoitteissaan konkreettisia toimia liikunnan edistämiseksi

  • Apply for the European Universities Championships 2025

    Published:

    The European Universities Championships are held every two years in connection with the multi-sport event European Universities Games and every two years as separate European Championships. 2025 will be the year of the European Championships. The Games also offer a great opportunity to test the level of European elite sports, as many national team-level athletes will be taking part in them. The athletes will represent their own higher education institution in the Games.

    Read more about article: Apply for the European Universities Championships 2025