The Center for Olympic Studies at Arizona State University (ASU) has officially launched, aiming to explore the complexities of the Olympic movement and create new opportunities for student engagement. The center, a part of the W. P. Carey School of Business, is positioned to connect interdisciplinary education with the needs of the Olympic and Paralympic movement, with the upcoming LA28 Games serving as a focal point.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
ASU’s Center for Olympic Studies is one of only three Olympic Studies and Research Centres in the United States. It unites faculty from various departments, including marketing, liberal arts, journalism, public service, health, and mathematical sciences, reflecting the diverse expertise required to understand and support the Olympic Games globally. During the launch event, university leaders and student-athletes celebrated the center’s mission to expand research and education related to the Olympics.
Ohad Kadan, Dean of the W. P. Carey School of Business, emphasized the center’s potential to connect various disciplines and engage with the world beyond athletics. Daniel McIntosh, the center’s founding director, described it as a student-focused organization that enhances ASU’s commitment to global engagement and collaboration in sports.
Honoring Olympic Athletes
ASU boasts a strong legacy of Olympic athletes, with 217 Olympians and 85 medalists among its students and alumni. At the launch event, 12 athletes received Arete Laureate medals, a new tradition to honor those who have made significant contributions to sports. Notable attendees included Olympians Melissa Belote Ripley, Herman Frazier, and Zeke Jones, who participated in a panel discussion on leadership and the evolving landscape of athlete preparation.
Rocky Harris, Chief of Sport and Athlete Services for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, praised ASU as the “perfect institution” for establishing the new center, citing its innovative approach and commitment to Olympic sports. He highlighted the importance of the center’s launch in the current context of sports development.
Future Aspirations
The Center for Olympic Studies aims to serve as a lasting resource that connects students, faculty, and industry experts with the Olympic movement, fostering a comprehensive understanding of its impacts. The interdisciplinary approach is expected to enhance educational opportunities and prepare students for careers in the sports industry.
Source: Arizona State University
