Ryan Snelgrove

How visitors and locals at a sport event differ in motives and identity.

Although the literature on events differentiates between locals, casual attendees, and those who have travelled specifically to attend the event, little is known about how the types of attendee differ. This study compared the fan motivation, leisure motivation, and identification with the subculture of athletics reported by a sample (N = 777) of attendees at the 2005 Pan American Junior Athletics Championships. Age, gender, and income were also included. Regression analyses were used to determine the structure of relations among the variables, and to ascertain whether the levels of motivation or identity varied among the three types of attendee. Tests for linear restrictions were used to determine whether the structure of relations among the variables differed by type of attendee. The structure of relations among the variables did not differ among the three types of attendee, but attendees who had travelled specifically to attend the event reported substantially higher identification with the subculture of athletics, and slightly higher fan motivation. Identification with the subculture of athletics mediated much of the effect. Females reported higher fan motivation and higher leisure motivation than did males. Age had a small but significant relationship with fan motivation, and income had a small but significant relationship with leisure motivation. Findings are generally consistent with predictions derived from theories of motivation, subculture, and gender roles. It is suggested that marketing communications directed out-of-town should highlight opportunities to strengthen, parade, and celebrate, while those in the local trading radius should underscore the entertainment, aesthetics, and vicarious achievement featured at the event.

Segmenting Volunteer Fundraisers at a Charity Sport Event

Charitable organizations are increasingly using sport events as an approach to generate funds and raise awareness. Researchers have suggested that sport events are particularly attractive to volunteer fundraisers because they provide an opportunity to engage in two meaningful activities simultaneously. The purpose of this study was to address this largely untested proposition by assessing the presence of various segments of participants based on an identity defined in part by fundraising for the cause and/or cycling. Additionally, how these profiles differed based on the amount of funds raised, length of participation with the event, and basic demographic variables were also examined. The results suggest that four different segments existed, labeled event enthusiasts, cause fundraisers, road warriors, and non-identifiers. These segments differed in the amount of funds raised and their length of involvement with the event. As such, this study demonstrates the value of segmenting volunteer fundraisers based on event-related identities.

Looking Back in Time: The Pitfalls and Potential of Retrospective Methods in Leisure Studies

An increased focus on alternate theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and methods is needed in leisure studies. Although retrospective methods have been employed in a range of disciplines, criticism has been leveled at their validity, reliability, and trustworthiness. Possibilities and critiques of retrospective methods are discussed as either attempts at controlling or interpreting the past. Techniques for minimizing post-positivist concerns include stimulating memories using cues such as photos, allowing participants to report freely rather than forcing responses, and studying salient phenomenon that are subject to accurate recall. Interpretive methods such as narrative inquiry, autoethnography, and collective memory-work are also discussed and debated.

Sport events and happiness: towards the development of a measuring instrument*

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to create a measuring instrument to capture happiness in the context of events and test it in the context of two non-mega-sport events. Three groups of residents were distinguished (event 1: Ontario Summer Games (OSG); event 2: Ontario 55 + Summer Games (55 + SG); and a control group, unaware of events: CONTR). Residents who did not attend the events were surveyed in public places in order to find out whether the mere hosting of these events had the potential to impact their happiness and well-being. The theoretical construct of subjective well-being was used to develop a survey to measure happiness and well-being holistically. Four components were developed: overall level of happiness (one item), satisfaction with important domains (three items), and specific emotions recently experienced (i.e. affect dimensions, eight items). Exploratory factor analyses confirmed one construct for satisfaction; and two constructs for the affect dimensions: positive affect (three items) and reversed negative affect (five items). ANOVAs revealed that residents aware of the 55 + SG, an “older age” sport event, reported significantly higher levels of overall happiness and satisfaction than the control group. Moreover, the 55 + SG showed significantly lower levels of negative emotions than the OSG and control groups. The results do not strongly support the notion that different types of events affect residential happiness in different ways. Future research should explore the impacts of other types of sport events on residential happiness and well-being, and account for socio-demographic factors, involvement with the event, and the weather to more precisely discern the impacts of events on residential happiness.

Sport Events and Residential Happiness: The Case of Two Non-Mega Sport Events*

ABSTRACT This contribution explores whether the hosting of two non-mega sport events affected the happiness of residents (non-attendees) in the host community, and if these feelings differed according to the type of event. The events under investigation were two multi-sport events held in the same community during the summer of 2014: the Ontario Summer Games and the 55+ Summer Games. Residents were intercepted in public spaces to complete a survey, including levels of happiness, event, and socio-demographic variables. Happiness was measured in a holistic way, including overall happiness, satisfaction, positive and reversed negative affect dimensions of subjective well-being. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed: (1) higher levels of happiness for aware, non-attendee residents when measured with a single item of overall happiness, but not for other measures of happiness in the holistic approach (causality cannot be confirmed); (2) aware, non-attendee residents did not need to have the intention to attend the events to experience these higher levels of happiness; and (3) higher feelings of happiness of aware, non-attendee residents were not different according to the type of event. From a practical perspective, these findings stress the importance of informing residents of these events so they become aware that these events are being hosted in their community. Effective communication should include feelings of pride and belonging, as these are expected to stimulate feelings of happiness of non-attendee residents.

Managing women’s participation in golf: a case study of organizational change

Abstract The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of the success factors and challenges associated with implementing a change initiative aimed at increasing women’s continued participation in golf. Drawing on an integrative model of organizational change as a framework, this study employed a case study approach using qualitative methods to examine one golf course’s change to existing women’s golf leagues. Data were collected through focus groups with club staff and participants in the golf league. Findings describe a process of innovation in response to political and functional pressures, a systematic effort to plan and sell a new vision, and the reasons behind the successful adoption by the members. This study has relevance for sport organizations tasked with increasing women’s participation. Caution, however, should be exercised in extrapolating the findings to all sport organizations as this is a single case study.

Youth with Chronic Illness Forming Identities through Leisure

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of the ways leisure is influential in identity development and maintenance for youth with chronic illness. Drawing on a symbolic interactionist perspective, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants who reflected on their chronic illness experiences during adolescence and emerging adulthood. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. The findings suggest that leisure played a role in shaping the identities of participants in three ways. Specifically, chronic illness made it difficult for some participants to (a) present idealized identities through leisure, (b) fit in with peers through leisure, and (c) develop an identity through action.

Perspectives of event leveraging by restaurants and city officials

Hosting events can attract visitors to an area and provide an opportunity for local businesses in the host community to benefit economically. Restaurants, in particular, have an opportunity to benefit as food is a necessary expenditure. However, previous research suggests that the intentional attraction of event visitors by local businesses has been minimal. The purpose of this paper is to explore perspectives of event leveraging held by restaurant owners/managers and a destination marketing organization (DMO).,Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with owners/managers of 16 local restaurants and from three DMO executives in one medium-sized city in Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed using initial and axial coding.,Findings indicate that restaurants did not engage in event leveraging. Three common reasons emerged to explain their lack of engagement in leveraging, including: a lack of a belief in benefits from leveraging, inconvenient proximity to event venue, and not being prepared for event leveraging opportunities. The DMO had a desire to assist local business in leveraging, but their ability to do so was negatively impacted by a lack of awareness of events being hosted, disengagement by local businesses, and limited resources.,Findings suggest that there is a need for DMOs and local businesses to create stronger and more supportive working relationships that address financial and human resources constraints preventing the adoption and success of event leveraging. As part of this approach there is a need for cities to make stronger financial investments in supportive agencies such as a DMO.

Advancing paradigmatic consistency and distinction in leisure studies: from epistemology to method

ABSTRACT Paradigmatic assumptions and underpinnings of research are a necessary component of published articles in leisure studies. In this paper, I advocate for a continued and stronger connection among epistemology, theoretical perspectives, methodology, and method. Previous arguments on the topic are synthesized, critiqued, and extended to continue the dialogue among leisure scholars. Examples of how paradigmatically consistent connections can be made are offered.

Emerging Adults with Chronic Illness Pursuing and Enhancing Leisure

The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of the adjustment process undertaken by emerging adults living with a chronic illness in their pursuit and enjoyment of leisure. A theoretical focus is placed on the processes of selection, optimization, and compensation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 participants who have a chronic illness. Participants’ experiences were rooted much more in triumph rather than loss. Selection was influenced by a consideration of uncertainty, a desire to avoid potential embarrassment, and an acceptance or rejection of constraints. Three types of approaches that helped them optimize their leisure experience involved participants shaping their perspectives about leisure and life, enhancing resources to make leisure possible, and by living through pain and discomfort. Responding to challenges that might otherwise limit their participation or enjoyment in leisure, participants prepared for possible incidents, received support from others, and confronted negative situations.