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What Happened to the Legacy from London 2012? A Sociological Analysis of the Processes Involved in Preparing for a Grassroots Sporting Legacy from London 2012 Outside of the Host City

Lovett, Emily L.
; 
Bloyce, Daniel
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Affiliation
Edge Hill University; University of Chester
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2017-02-01
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Sport and Exercise Sciences
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Abstract
Preparations for London 2012 included promises for a sporting legacy across Britain. APS data suggest that, despite a slight spike in 2012, we have not experienced the rise in participation promised. The importance of preparations for legacy were well documented but little research has examined these processes. We examine planning for sporting legacy within a non-Olympic city in England, Birmingham. 37 semi-structured interviews were conducted with people delivering sport in Birmingham to provide a figurational analysis of relationships involved. The change in government during the economic recession saw budget cuts and a reduction in sport development personnel. Whilst various organisations struggled financially, others wanted to link to legacy. This increase in groups involved led to confusion and the unintended outcome of ‘initiativitis’. In trying to leverage legacy, a strategic approach to managing potential opportunities with clear communication of opportunities is vital. A belief in inherent inspiration cannot be relied upon. Key words: London 2012, sport legacy, figurational sociology, Birmingham, initiativitis, school sports partnerships, policy, inherent inspiration, demonstration effect
Citation
Lovett, E., & Bloyce, D. (2017). What happened to the legacy from London 2012? A sociological analysis of the processes involved in preparing for a grassroots sporting legacy from London 2012 outside of the host city. Sport in Society, 20(11), 1625-1643. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2017.1284813
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Journal
Sport in Society
Research Unit
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10034/620331
DOI
10.1080/17430437.2017.1284813
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Article
Language
en
Description
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Sport in Society on 01/02/2017, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2017.1284813
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1743-0445
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http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17430437.2017.1284813