Divas in the Olympic Games

Wed, November 18, 2009 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM UBC Point Grey Campus. Free. Who’s Not There? A running commentary on the Vancouver Winter Games There are many reasons to take pride in the achievements of our best athletes, and to support the work being done to ensure that the tens of thousands visitors, athletes and volunteers from all over the world enjoy a warm welcome in Vancouver. But there are also many questions that can be asked about the political and cultural environment in which the Olympics operates, and the social effects Olympic competition has on those who compete – and on those who are blocked from competing. To examine these questions, St. John’s College has put together a program of events to encourage conversation about what the Vancouver Winter Games might mean, not just to those who are there but to those who aren’t. Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Panel 1 - Drugs in the Olympics Dr. John Hoberman, University of Texas Dr. Hoberman is a European cultural and intellectual historian and has done extensive research on sports doping and the intersection of sports, politics, science, public opinion and the Olympics. He has taught courses on sport and politics at Harvard University, the University of Chicago, and The University of Texas at Austin. Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Panel 2 - Disability in the Olympics Stacy Kohut, Paralympian Gold Medalist and 2 Time World Champion. Stacy Kohut has competed in Alpine Skiing in Lillehammer, Norway and Nagano, Japan; and as well acted as CBC's colour commentator for the Paralympics Games in Torino, Italy. He is also one of the world's best fourcross riders (downhill mountain biking). Stacy is an athlete who challenges mindsets about disability in the Games. Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Panel 3 - Divas in the Olympics All events take place: 7:30 pm Fairmont Social Lounge St. John's College,UBC 2111 Lower Mall For more information, please call 604-822-8781. This event is supported in part by the UBC Winter Games Education Initiative.