Institute for Sport Governance as a Co-organiser of a National Academic Conference on Sport–Politics Relations
On 16 January 2026, the National Academic Conference entitled “Party in Sport – Sport in the Party. Political and Social Dimensions of Sporting Activity in Poland” took place at the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, at the premises of Civitas University. The event was co-organised by the Institute for Sport Governance (ISG).
The conference brought together representatives of the academic community, experts, sport practitioners, and public institutions, creating a space for in-depth reflection on the mutual relationships between sport and politics at the local, national, and international levels.
Sport and Politics as a Subject of Academic Debate
The main objective of the conference was to initiate an interdisciplinary discussion on the political, social, and institutional conditions shaping the functioning of sport in contemporary Poland. The programme included a plenary session and several thematic panels devoted, among others, to:
- sports diplomacy and international relations,
- the role of sport in local and municipal politics,
- safety and legal regulations in sport,
- identity, social mobilisation, and the risks of political involvement in sport.
The conference opened with a plenary debate entitled “The Politics of the World Cup: Will Donald Trump Be the Biggest Star of This Year’s Tournament?”, which served as a starting point for further discussions on the global dimension of sport and its role in political and media narratives.
Active Participation of the Institute for Sport Governance Team
The Institute for Sport Governance took part in the conference not only as a co-organiser but also as an active contributor to the substantive discussions.
Grzegorz Botwina, President of ISG, participated in panel discussions and moderated a session dedicated to sports diplomacy, addressing the role of sport in foreign policy, international cooperation, and national image-building on the global stage.
At the same time, Mateusz Boczyło, a member of the ISG team, delivered a paper entitled
“Participatory Budgeting and Sport: The Role of Sports Clubs in Mobilising Local Communities for Civic Participation.” His presentation analysed both the opportunities and risks arising from the involvement of professional sports clubs in participatory budgeting processes at the local level.
The presentation highlighted sport’s potential as a tool for strengthening social capital, while also emphasising the need for a responsible and transparent approach to cooperation between sports organisations and local governments.
Cooperation Between Academia and Sport Management Practitioners
The conference served as an example of effective cooperation between the academic community and sport management practitioners. The event confirmed the importance of creating spaces for dialogue in which academic research can meaningfully support decision-making processes, systemic reforms, and the development of good governance in sport.
We would like to extend our special thanks to the members of the Ius et Sport Sports Law Student Research Group and B2S – Sport Management, whose organisational support was crucial to the successful delivery of the conference.
