Culture and sports as catalysts for the twenty-first century society

Abstract

The twenty-first century has infinite possibilities, as well as great uncer- tainties about the major opportunities and challenges facing humanity. The final combination of variables that will have an impact on the different dynamics is yet unknown. If present trends continue, the world of culture and sport will present a spectacular development. The increase of sport participation among large sections of the population, new products and multimedia channels, the emergence of new materials, new sports and new rules will revolutionize sports. Emerging economies will hold much of that demand and will strive to organize sports mega-events that will launch them onto the international arena. There will be new business oppor- tunities and employment sites. Factor mobility will reach higher degrees in a globalized world. The rise of celebrities and global sport organizations will be another phenomenon, together with the resizing of competitions in new organiza- tional levels. Sports will have a role in a culturally globalized world marked by signs of local identities that will not disappear. Culturally, we will become more global, but sportingly we will not quit being local.