Athletes are often seen as global citizens by their fans and audiences due to their respect for the rules of the game and their discipline to train to play and lead it at elite levels. They have the ability to influence their audiences at times more so that a politician does to their voters.

Sport provides a unique platform to influence issues around inequality, such as gender and racial discrimination, that lead to policy developent and can impact international relations. Some names that come to mind include Dennis Rodman, Marcus Rashford and panellist Ashton Hewitt. Sport promotes team sentiments, unity and playing by the rules regardless of creed, social class, gender or other differentiating qualities. Sport can additionally celebrate differences bringing a sense of unity. The concept of growth and achievement through teamwork has often been prominent in sport, sentiments that are extended to international co-operation. Therefore an athlete's actions and behaviour when playing the game and outside of it are often scrutinised.

This Sport&EU event will discuss why elite athletes are often looked up to by their fans and other audiences for leadership both on and off the court. This discussion will be about the role, responsibility and influence sport diplomacy has when addressing inequality.

The link to the Short Talk will be sent to you by email prior to the beginning of it.