Beyond the Walls and Courts - College Sports as University Extension - a Case Study from Brazil

Author : Mariana Ribeiro Pires, Daniel Moraes Pinheiro

Abstract :University Extension is an educational, cultural, and scientific initiative that fosters societal engagement and creates opportunities for generating new knowledge across various disciplines, integrating teaching and research activities. In this context, the extension program 'College Sports for Social Change' presents an innovative and holistic framework that emphasizes the development of academic and civic skills through sports practices among students at Santa Catarina State University (Udesc) in Brazil. Structured around three interconnected projects, the program aims to offer a multidimensional and multidisciplinary approach to sports within the university environment. Sports are viewed not just as a means of physical improvement but also as a tool for enhancing leadership abilities, teamwork skills, and understanding the social impacts of sports. This program seeks to move beyond the traditional view of sports as mere entertainment, instead positioning them as powerful agents of values, identity, and social transformation. The program also fosters closer connections between academia and the community by proposing practical solutions to local, regional, and global challenges.

Keywords :University Extension, College Sports, Education.

Conference Name :International Conference on Sport Management, Business and Marketing (ICSMBM-24)

Conference Place Amsterdam, Netherlands

Conference Date 16th Dec 2024