More than a Game: The Role Sports Play in our Democracy

Track star Jesse Owens made history at the 1936 games when he sprinted his way to win four gold medals and helped the U.S. beat Adolf Hitler’s Germany. But racial barriers blocked Owens from receiving the customary congratulation; President Roosevelt refused to meet with him. Muhammad Ali spoke out against the Vietnam War and tennis champ Billie Jean King became an advocate for LGTBQ rights and gender equity after being outed publicly in 1981.

Fast-forward to 2016, when the whole world watched Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, take a knee during the national anthem at the start of NFL games in protest of police brutality. And, just last year, three female high school runners in Connecticut sued to block transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports. Today, student athletes and some of America’s most admired, gifted and influential athletes and sports teams use their platforms to address social and political issues.

Join Seattle CityClub at our virtual fundraising event, More Than a Game: The Role Sports Play in Our Democracy, on Friday, September 24, 12 to 1 PM (PDT), for an intriguing discussion with a panel of sports leaders about the role they play and responsibility they hold in our democracy.

Sign up here: https://igfn.us/form/k9f7SA

Can’t attend? Donate $40 in honor of Seattle CityClub’s 40th birthday this year. And get your gift matched!

Your support fuels programs that support more dialogue across differences – from Civic Cocktails on timely and emerging issues to Civic Boot Camp’s that deep dive into critical topics.