New report from Theos/Sports Think Tank questions role of sport
by Pete Hayman | 25 Jun 2012
A new report from Theos and the Sports Think Tank has called for sport to be promoted for its fun value, rather than its ability to deliver political, social and economic benefits.
Give us our Ball Back: Reclaiming Sport for the Common Good has assessed the claims made on behalf of sport, which it believes is "being set up to over-promise and under-deliver".
The study - published ahead of the London 2012 Games - also said there is no evidence that large sports events deliver participation and economic benefits that many anticipate.
According to the report, "Releasing sport from the demands of public utility will allow it to occupy its rightful place in society.
"We need to be able to value sport for itself - for its intrinsic goods - namely fun or, if you prefer, wellbeing. It is by recognising this that we will reclaim sport for the common good."
However, the publication of the report comes days after Sport England reported a "surge" in participation ahead of the 2012 Games, with 15.28 million taking part on a regular basis.
Sport England chief executive Jennie Price said: "As we approach the Games, some of our key sports such as cycling and hockey are already beginning to feel the Olympic effect."
Details: www.theosthinktank.co.uk (.pdf)
A new report from Theos and the Sports Think Tank has called for sport to be promoted for its fun value, rather than its ability to deliver political, social and economic benefits. Give us our Ball Back: Reclaiming Sport for the Common Good has assessed the claims made on behalf of sport, which it believes is "being set up to over-promise and under-deliver". The study - published ahead of the
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by Helen Andrews | 20 Apr 2026
The heritage-listed Department of Lands building in Sydney, Australia, has relaunched as a major cultural and events destination, as part of a mixed-use redevelopment of two iconic buildings known collectively as the Sandstone Precinct. Singapore-based Pontiac Land Group owns the property, as well as the building next door that was the former Department of Education building. The two-phase restoration project has seen Pontiac turn the Department of Education building into
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by Magali Robathan | 16 Apr 2026
World of Frozen has opened at Disney Adventure World in Disneyland Paris with new offerings across the entire park. The expansion almost doubles the size of Disneyland Paris, immersing guests in a life-size recreation of the Kingdom of Arendel. The World of Frozen features a Tangled -inspired attraction, 14 new dining locations and a large lake debuting a new night-time spectacular. It also features a daytime celebration, themed shopping, and
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by Helen Andrews | 14 Apr 2026
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The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has revealed plans to expand its presence in Egypt with the renovation and operation of two historic hotel properties and the brand’s first-ever luxury river cruise. In 2022, Mandarin Oriental announced it would open its first Egyptian property, Mandarin Oriental Shepheard in Cairo. The hotel is undergoing a comprehensive renovation and is due to open in 2027. Ownership and development The river cruise, Old Cataract
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
by Helen Andrews | 27 Mar 2026
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4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
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Design firm 4a Architekten has shared details of the recently-completed extension to the wellness facilities at destination spa park Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa in Germany. The upgrades to the leisure pool facility, which has been in operation since 1984, included the addition of a thermal spa and sauna in a new building that integrated sensitively into the landscape. Commissioned by the facility’s operator, utility company Stadtwerke Bad Dürkheim, the
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