Sport and Physical Activity in Catastrophic Environments

This book considers the ability of individuals and communities to maintain healthy relationships with their surroundings--before, during and after catastrophic events--through physical activity and sporting practices.

Broad and ambitious in scope, the book uses sport and physical activity as a lens through which to examine our catastrophic societies and spaces. Acknowledging that catastrophes are complex, overlapping phenomena in need of sophisticated, interdisciplinary solutions, the book explores the social, economic, ecological and moral injustices that determine the personal and emotional impact of catastrophe. Drawing from international case studies, this book uniquely explores the different landscapes and contexts of catastrophe as well as the affective qualities of sporting practices. This includes topics such as DIY skateparks in Jamaica
former child soldiers in Africa
the funding of sport, recreation, and cultural activities by extractive industries in northern Canada
mountain biking in the UK
and urban exploration in New Zealand. Featuring the work of ex-professional athletes, artists, anthropologists, sociologists, political ecologists, community development workers and philosophers, the book offers new perspectives on capitalism, nature, sociality, morality and identity.

This is essential reading for academics and practitioners in sociology, disaster studies, sport-for-development and political ecology.