van Luijk, Nicolien
Research
Critical analysis of the organization of international sporting mega-events
My recently completed MA research focused on examining the organization of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games from the perspective of a community coalition group that was openly critical of them. My PhD research follows on from this and continues to critically examine the organization of this sporting mega events and its impact on our global society.
I hope that my research can encourage more people to think critically about the Olympic Games and other mega sporting events, and to question who really benefits from them. Ultimately, I want to provide an alternative source of information for community members who may find themselves impacted by the Olympic movement and the international sporting industry in some way or another.
At the undergraduate level I took a research-intensive path which I found incredibly (albeit surprisingly) rewarding. In my fourth year I was just beginning to learn how to ask critical questions and to think outside the box. This was something I wanted to build on so graduate school just seemed a natural progression for me.
I once heard that Vancouver was one of the most livable cities in the world, so when I got the opportunity to come out here to study, I just had to check it out. I chose UBC because of its reputation and because of the people. When a potential supervisor whose work I had read and admired during my undergraduate degree agreed to work with me as a graduate student I was immediately on board. Now having completed my MA here at UBC I have decided to stay on and complete by PhD in the same program.
I would have to say to anyone that is coming to Canada or UBC - leave your shy side back home and just make the most of the new opportunities. Also don't be afraid to ask for help; it'll make finding your way around a lot easier.
Vancouver has been full of so many memorable experiences. The first that pops to mind and probably sounds a bit corny but it has to be going for runs along the sea wall by Kits beach. That's when I know I have found a new home.
I see myself engaging in community-based organizing. I hope to continue to work with community groups in an effort to bring our ideas and perspectives into the forefront.
