The world of international sports – when two or more countries compete in any sport – can be a fascinating look into the political, economic and other cultural aspects of a country. It is also big business with a worldwide industry valued at more than EUR350 billion, including broadcasting and licensing, according to Statista.
One of the most interesting international sports are those that have a long history, like hurling, an Irish field game that dates back thousands of years. A violent mix of soccer, rugby and MMA, hurling requires helmeted players to wield an ash wood stick called a hurley to hit a small ball, called a sliotar, over a crossbar and into a net guarded by a goalkeeper for points. Three matches a year are played between teams representing each of Florence’s quartieres and are the perfect way to experience local culture in this AIFS Abroad study or internship abroad destination.
The modern Olympic Games have undergone a similar globalization process, transforming from an event primarily focused on athletics into a multi-sport competition that has a broad social impact. However, it’s difficult to overlook the power imbalances that still exist in international sport. For example, during the preparations for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, FIFA, the governing body of international soccer, discouraged the city government from upgrading an existing soccer stadium in a working class neighborhood that would have reduced inequality. These imbalances are especially acute in developing regions, where the cost of training and equipment can make or break an athlete’s chance to win.