UVic-UCC will host the First International Conference in ‘Regionalism, Nationalism and Contemporary International Sport’, joint with Southampton Solent University

The first International Conference of the joint PSA/In the Zone Sport and Politics Consultancy will take place at the University of Vic in Catalonia in Partnership with Southampton Solent University, England on Thursday, June 29th and Friday, June 30th 2017.

This is an exciting development and opportunity which seeks to enhance the partnership between the hosting institutions with the expressed hope of staging a stimulating forum for debate in an international context around the debates and issues raised by the conference theme.

At a time when the relationship between Regions, Nations and complex Global forces and events has come under increasing scrutiny, sport continues to play a pivotal role in the articulation and reinforcement of Regional and National Identitites on an International basis. As Europe faces an uncertain and divided future, as Asia becomes increasingly powerful, and the United States reflects deep schisms, we would wish the Conference to consider the implications of these and other developments on International Sport, from Spain and Catalonia, to Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.

Conference programme

The conference programme is now available on the website. Just download in PDF file at: Programa Congrés Sport – poster

Conference call for papers and fees

Abstracts (300 words maximum) are invited on the following topics, although proposals are welcome on other related themes.

• Sports and Regional Indentity
• Sports and Nationalism
• Media and Sport
• Case Studies of Individual Sports
• Regions/Nations and The Politics of Global Sport
• Contemporary Fandom and International Sports
• Diplomacy and International Sport
• Ethnicity, Race and Migration in International Sport
• Governance of Regional/National and International Sport
• Impacts of hosting Mega Events
• Sectarianism and Xenophobia in International Sporting Contexts
• Ethical Concerns in International Sport
• Challenge in International Sport – Miscellanea

Abstracts/Proposals should be sent to Jim O’Brien (jim.obrien@solent.ac.uk) and Russell Holden (russell@inthezoneonline.co.uk). Conference Fees: PSA (Political Studies Association) Members 85€, Non – Members 100€, Students/Unwaged 45€. More information about registration process will be given to participants, soon. Deadline for abstracts is April 24th. We accept abstracts in English, Spanish, Catalan and French.

A project of the UVic-UCC, Southampton Solent University, In the Zone and Political Studies Association

The PSA (Political Studies Association) is the major association for the study of Politics in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1950, it has an international membership and is dedicated to the research, debate and discussion of Political Sciences and Current Affairs. The University of Vic (The Central University of Catalonia) was founded in 1997, although its history goes back much further, in 1599. The main campus is within walking distance of the charming Catalan town of Vic, approximately 50 miles north of Barcelona. Both the town and the university have good transport links, and are served by the airports of Barcelona and Girona.

The city of Vic

Vic is a city close to Barcelona, 50 kilometres to the north, and easy to get there by train or bus from Barcelona city center. Vic has more than 40.000 inhabitants, with a rich history, cousin and culture with roots to the Roman times. Vic was one of the main cities during the Catalan medieval times, where superior studies started linked with the religious power. In 1599 the first university institution was created.

Today, Vic has a large variety of services and accomodation opportunities for visitors. In order to plan your trip in Vic we recommend you to visit Vic Tourism.

Conference registration process

The Conference registration page will be available until June 19th. The conference will take place in Vic, from June 28th – 30th inclusive, at the Faculty of Business and Communication, The University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia.

The events offers participants the possibility of attending The Conference Dinner, on the evening of Thursday, June 29th, (Cost 20 Euros, in addition to the Registration Fee). Please note carefully the details below to ensure you enrol in the correct category of delegate. Follow this link to access Registration and Payment.

Registration fees are:

Delegate Fees (2 days):

One Day Delegate Fees

In order to correctly process your registration please take into account:

• PSA members will have to attach a notification to show they are members of the association, if they want to have reduced fees.
• Students and unwaged participants will have to attach a notification in order to show they are students (student’s card or university enrolment document) or unwaged (DARDO from INEM for Spaniards or other similar documents for foreign delegates).
• UVic Alumni will have a 10% discount to 120 and 105 categories of delegates.

We suggest using Mozzilla Firefox in order to the registration process. For any queries regarding your registration process, you must contact sfc@uvic.cat; other information contact hotline claudia.sane@uvic.cat.

Accomodation and housing

The city of Vic, in the central Catalania, has a wide range of housing possibilities. We suggest visiting Osona Turisme webpage to know about our county and accomodation.

Transportation

Vic is located 50km to the north of Barcelona. You have different transportation possibilities:

• By car, using the C-17 motorway from Barcelona to Vic.
• By train, using RENFE Rodalies Line 3 (R3) from Barcelona-Sants or Barcelona-Plaça de Catalunya station to Vic central station.
• By bus, using Sagalés bus company from Casp Street Station in Barcelona to Vic central station.
• Bus and train station in Vic are close to the UVic-UCC campus, just one minute.