Research

small oval S4P Committed to Quality Research

 

During all sport development initiatives, members of the S4P research team will utilize various qualitative methodologies to better understand the role of sport in the lives of girls and women throughout the Middle East.

Qualitative methodologies will give voice to the participants and provide great insight into the effectiveness of sport as an intervention tool and as a means of cultural exchange. The United Nations and many other organizations have recognized sport as a vital component in peace building efforts, but very little research has been done to corroborate this idea. The need for research on this topic is very evident in the literature. Although the idea of sport as an effective means of intervention seems logical, there is a definitive need to hear from the participants of these interventions. As researchers, we must be careful not to impose our own ideas of success, but instead allow the participants an opportunity for expression.

small oval Presentations/Publications:

Huffman, A. & Hillyer, S. (in review). Sport for Life Peace Camp Israel: Overcoming obstacles, forging friendships, and changing lives through sport. Women, Sport, and Physical Activity Journal.

Huffman, A. (2007). Sport and Coexistence in Israel: The Sport for Life Peace Camp. The Chronicle of Kinesiology and Physical Education in Higher Education, 18(3), 3-5.

Sport for Life: A Model for International/Intercultural Infusion. National Association for Kinesiology and Education in Higher Education, Albuquerque, NM, 2008.

Sport for Life Peace Camp--A Weapon of Mass Instruction: Developing Dialogue and Diplomacy for Arab and Israeli Girls Through Sport. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Baltimore, MD, 2007.

Ready for the World: A UT Student’s Investigative Report Entitled: An Experience of Women’s Sport in Iran. College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Student Colloquium, Knoxville, TN, 2007.

Women’s Sport Initiatives in Israel and Iran. College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences semi-annual Board of Visitor’s Meeting, Knoxville, TN, 2007. Sport for Life Peace Camp. Special Summer Program at the Knoxville Jewish Community Center, Knoxville, TN, 2007.

Muslim Women in Sport. Guest Lecturer, University of Louisville, Women, Sport, & Culture undergraduate and graduate courses. Louisville, KY, 2003-2006.

Muslim Women’s Sports in Iran. Guest Lecturer, Ohio University, International Sport undergraduate course. Athens, OH, 2006-2007.

Women’s Sport Initiatives in Israel and Iran. Knoxville Business Women’s Group, Knoxville, TN, 2007. What’s Being Done for Muslim Women in Sport? Women, Gender, and Sport in Africa, Athens, OH, 2006

Sport for Life: A Weapon of Mass Instruction. Guest Lecturer, University of Tennessee Department of Exercise, Sport, and Leisure Studies, Knoxville, TN, 2006.

Sport for Life: Solidarity Between Arab and Israeli Communities. North American Society for Sport Sociology, Vancouver, BC, 2006.

Exploring the Role of Sport to Promote Peace in International Settings. College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Student Colloquium, Knoxville, TN, 2006.

Wiggins, M.S., Hillyer, S., & Brown, C. (2005). Pilot study of Muslim women’s perceptions on religion in sport. Psychological Report, 96, 787-790.

Hillyer, S. (2008). Play Ball: An Unlikely Story of Faith, Friendship, and Fast-Pitch Softball. United States of America: Vital Visuals, Inc.