This article offers a sociological account of the growth in popularity of mass participation sports-based charity challenges. It argues these events have emerged as unique social, health, and philanthropic phenomena in the context of healthism and neo-liberalism. Drawing on the concept of "embodied philanthropy," the key argument is that "fitness philanthropy" represents a new form of giving in which displays of fitness are increasingly also displays of civic engagement and being a "good person." The growth of fitness philanthropy highlights changing responsibilities for health and wellness and addresses key sociological concerns with identity, community, and civic engagement that are now manifest in sports charity challenges.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	sport charity, fitness, philanthropy
Research Division:	Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
Research Group:	Commercial services
Research Field:	Sport and leisure management
Objective Division:	Culture and Society
Objective Group:	Sport, exercise and recreation
Objective Field:	Organised sports
UTAS Author:	Palmer, C (Professor Catherine Palmer)
UTAS Author:	Dwyer, ZA (Mr Zack Dwyer)
ID Code:	134856
Year Published:	2020 (online first 2019)
Web of Science® Times Cited:	6
Deposited By:	Office of the School of Social Sciences
Deposited On:	2019-09-10
Last Modified:	2021-11-15
Downloads:	0