Sport in Society establishes Athletes for Human Rights Initiative

Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society is pleased to announce its newest initiative addressing human rights in and through sports. The Athletes for Human Rights initiative will direct attention to the role of athletes and sport in the promotion of human rights as well as the recognition of human rights issues within the arena of sport itself.

Peter Roby, Director of Sport in Society says, "Building on the actions of individuals such as Muhammad Ali, Theirry Henry, Arthur Ashe, George Weah, and Anita DeFrantz, the Athletes for Human Rights initiative will further the legacy of these athlete visionaries to promote human rights throughout the world."

Athletes for Human Rights will engage in research, develop education programs and curriculum, and advocate on relevant topics and needs with respect to sport and human rights. This Sport in Society initiative will build on previous research in the area of sport and human rights. Additionally, it will foster a community of athletes and sports leaders to further recognize the connection of human rights in and through sport.

Roby says, �Athletes for Human Rights is a perfect fit at Sport in Society to build upon our current programs, Project Teamwork, Mentors in Violence Prevention, Disability in Sport, Urban Youth Sports and Athletes in Service. Furthering the 1968 Olympic Project for Human Rights and the 1985 United Nations Convention Against Apartheid in Sports, Athletes for Human Rights will be an ongoing initiative that provides for the broader global connections and intersections of all that Sport in Society does and stands for.�

Athletes for Human Rights will foster a space for the sporting world to deliberately connect the arena of sport with global affairs. Athletes and sports leaders will have a place to learn and understand the potential positive impact of embracing human rights in and through sport. They will be provided with the tools to become human rights leaders. The human rights framework will allow athletes across backgrounds and borders to come together to support and embrace each other.

The mission of Athletes for Human Rights is to research, educate and advocate on human rights in and through sport, focusing on the role of athletes and sport to impact social change locally, nationally and globally.

The vision of Athletes for Human Rights is for the world community to recognize athletes as leaders for social change and sport as a vehicle for promoting human rights. The world community will also value athletes and sport for contributions to the advancement of equality and human rights.

�Athletes for Human Rights will be a vehicle for empowering, valuing and respecting the role of athletes and sport in the promotion of human rights and social change,� says Roby.

For more information about the Athletes for Human Rights initiative please contact Jarrod Chin, 617-373-4025.