Social Issues and Philanthropy

Constantinos Massonos, Contributor Social justice is an essential building block for the development of a society. It represents the view that every person who is part of a society deserves equal rights, equal opportunities and equal treatment. Its importance was...

In the past couple of years or so, there has been a rise in debates regarding the conduct of athletes outside the field. One aspect of that debate is concerned with how charitable or engaged athletes are with their immediate and wider communities, their political beliefs and their willingness to take a stand for what is right – which is more often than not harder than most people would admit to determine. At the same time, the rise of social media has given athletes a platform to advertise themselves, broadcast their philanthropic side and speak out on what matters to them. It seems however, that athletes are increasingly targeted by the public not only when they say something that people disagree with, but also when they don’t say anything at all.

Sense of duty, respect for fellow human beings, morality, and discipline are what create a socially responsible person. Social responsibility concerns individuals when it is exercised by a single person, while it becomes collective when it pertains to groups of people such as companies or sports teams. The popularity that athletes enjoy due to their status as public figures gives them the opportunity to influence the behaviour of many of their fans through public announcements and various forms of promotional activities.

Many well-established athletes never thought they could have a wealthy future because of their socioeconomic backgrounds.  The examples are numerous:  Pele, LeBron James, Novak Djokovic, Christiano Ronaldo, and the list goes on.  The sudden wealth experienced by a number of athletes has turned into a positive experience for their communities as well.  These athletes have used their newfound wealth not only to support themselves and their families, but also have used part of this wealth to give back and help their communities.

It has been over four years since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick refused to stand up for the American national anthem, later explaining that he cannot show pride for the flag of a country that oppresses black people and people of colour.

Professional athletes are nowadays some of the most well-known individuals worldwide, with millions of fans looking up to them.

“It’s especially up to us, as role models to go public and continue with things which are more important than playing football” – Alexandra Pop, footballer.

Growing up we all need our role models, heroes and idols that inspire us to dream and mumble: “One day I will be like them”.

Leadership is a term associated with acts of bravery which can lead to world-level changes, making it appear as something huge...

Athlete welfare involves creating a safe environment for athletes while competing and training for their sport, as well as ensuring their safety and well-being away from the game.

Throughout the years, athletes across all range of sports have been idolized by their fans, their organizations or sometimes the entire world, for being able to distinguish themselves in what they do.

State social welfare systems were introduced early in the 20th century as a measure for protecting the health and well-being of citizens and families facing social challenges by providing them with essentials like health care, food stamps, or unemployment benefits.

By Lazaros Ioannou, APC Sports Consulting Limited Professional athletes, whether competing within a team or performing at an individual level, have to deal with the life-after-sports dilemma at the later stages of their sports career.  When it’s time for...

By Constantinos Massonos, Contributor Gaining elite athlete status and keeping yourself on top form requires hours and hours of hard, mental and physical training.  Training occupies the greatest part of your days and there is no time, even for the simplest...

By Niovie Constantinou, Contributor In the 2016 Olympics, swimmer Michael Phelps won his 23rd Olympic gold and 28th medal overall in the 4×100m, and at the same time, he broke the world record of the most gold medals won in a single Olympic Games event, which had...

By Andreas T. Themistocleous, Contributor When discussing athletes’ salaries and overall personal revenues, it’s normal to think of professional sports in the USA where male athletes make millions in salaries and more millions in endorsements. The Jordans, the...

By Niovie Constantinou, Contributor The sports industry is no longer solely associated with exercising the human body; billions of people all around the world are inspired by sport and that inspiration can be used to promote a good cause.  Sports professionals have...

By Lazaros Ioannou, APC Sports Consulting Ltd While the main motivation for donating to charity is helping the less fortunate, giving back to the community and contributing to making the world a better place, there is also a significant tax benefit to those who...