Abstract
The Olympic Movement has had a powerful impact in furthering the goals of sustainable development and the “triple bottom line” of economic sustainability, environmental sustainability and social sustainability. With the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as the backdrop, the authors of this article study two potentially important instruments in advancing the sustainability agenda: (1) the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) providing collaborative inputs into the staging of mega events, such as the Olympics; and, (2) the advocacy role prominent athletes could play in raising public awareness and attracting public support about sustainability issues and choices. By tracing examples from Olympic experience, the entertainment industry and the sports world, the authors determine that sustainability related NGOs, celebrities, and athletes can play powerful and potentially complimentary roles in furthering sustainable development. The lesson is that in order to stage mega events, such as the Olympic Gems, in a sustainable manner and to leverage off these events to advance the cause of sustainable development, a broad-based "team approach" involving meaningful interaction between event organizers and impacted parties, along with social and environmental advocacy groups that make up the mosaic of the e host city or region, is a critical piece of the puzz
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Sustainable Development and the Law |
| Subtitle of host publication | People – Environment – Culture |
| Editors | Shi-Ling Hsu, Patrick A. Molinari |
| Publisher | Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice |
| Pages | 75-12 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9782980972836 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |