Sport is often celebrated as a space of teamwork, perseverance, and unity, but it also reflects deeper social tensions around race, gender, disability, and belonging. This session explores the good, the bad, and the ugly of sport as a powerful lens for Social Studies education. Participants will examine historical and contemporary examples where sport has both challenged and reinforced social inequalities, from moments of activism and inclusion to cases of exclusion and discrimination. Drawing on classroom experiences and examples from school athletics, the session will explore how sport can help students critically understand identity, power, and social change. Educators will leave with practical strategies, discussion prompts, and lesson ideas that use sport to engage students in meaningful conversations about fairness, participation, and belonging. By looking beyond the podium, teachers can help students see sport not just as competition, but as a window into society itself.
