Tuesday 25 October 2011

BPS 2011 Online Presentation

Here is my online presentation for the unit Business, Politics & Sport. The presentation focuses on the role of sport for government and focuses specifically on the current funding structure of Australian sport.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H65vFAkkpQI

Monday 24 October 2011

The Dangers of Motorsport

Marco Simoncelli
Image courtesy of GOGO visual & Flickr

The recent deaths of Indy Car driver Dan Wheldon and Moto GP rider Marco Simoncelli have highlighted the extreme danger of competing in Motorsport. Despite this, safety has improved tenfold since it began. Cars have dramatically improved their safety standards with safety nets, advanced protective clothing and equipment and the circuits have also been improved a great deal.

The same goes for Moto GP and all classes below it. All athletes are taught how to fall when they crash their bike and the helmets along with the other protective clothing is designed to provide maximum protection for all riders.

Despite the vast improvements, it pains me to say that the occasional death in Motorsport is inevitable. The two recent deaths have made the public and the competitors even more conscious of the potential dangers that come with driving vehicles at very high speeds, even for those who are extremely experienced.

Moto GP and Indy Car racing with move on from these two tragic deaths. They have no choice if they wish to advance their sport. Motorsport will continue to advance their safety standards to make the sport safer for both spectators, support staff and drivers. Unfortunately the deaths of Wheldon and Simoncelli have not been the only deaths in the sport, and they won't be the last either.