Exercise 1: The Athlete as Role Model (15 marks) Many positive role models can be found in sport. These athletes contribute to the improvement of our society and demonstrate the best qualities of citizens. Choose two athletes from any sport that you believe act as positive role models for society and answer the following questions: - What qualities/attributes do these athletes represent? What contributions have they made to society? Give specific examples. Contributions these two athletes have made to society include raising cancer awareness and attending community events to help raise money for certain community projects While there are numerous athletes that act as positive role models, there are also some that demonstrate negative qualities and do not contribute to the betterment of society. Chose two athletes you believe have acted as negative role models and answer the following questions: - What qualities/attributes do these athletes represent? What ways have they negatively impacted society? Give specific examples. a negative impact to society that this person has is getting in trouble with the police Now that you have identified both positive and negative role models within sport, answer the following question:Do you believe an athlete within the public eye has a responsibility to act as a positive role model for society?

**Positive Role Models**<br /><br />1. **Athlete:** Billie Jean King (Tennis)<br /> * **Qualities/Attributes:** Courage, perseverance, advocacy for equality, leadership.<br /> * **Contributions to Society:** Billie Jean King revolutionized women's sports and fought tirelessly for gender equality. Her iconic "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs brought unprecedented attention to the issue of equal pay and opportunity in sports. She founded the Women's Tennis Association and the Women's Sports Foundation, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for female athletes. Her activism extends beyond sports, championing LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.<br /><br />2. **Athlete:** LeBron James (Basketball)<br /> * **Qualities/Attributes:** Dedication, philanthropy, leadership, community engagement.<br /> * **Contributions to Society:** LeBron James has consistently used his platform to address social issues and promote education. He founded the LeBron James Family Foundation, which supports educational initiatives for children in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. The "I PROMISE" program provides at-risk students with resources and support to succeed in school and beyond. He has been vocal on issues of racial injustice and police brutality, using his influence to advocate for positive change.<br /><br />**Negative Role Models**<br /><br />1. **Athlete:** [Insert Athlete's Name] (Sport) - *It's important to be specific here with a real example.*<br /> * **Qualities/Attributes:** [e.g., Disrespect for authority, lack of sportsmanship, dishonesty] - *Be specific about the negative qualities.*<br /> * **Negative Impacts on Society:** [e.g., Arrested for DUI, made derogatory comments about a specific group of people, engaged in performance-enhancing drug use, encouraged violence] - *Provide specific examples of their negative actions and how they impacted society. For example, if they were arrested for DUI, explain how this normalizes dangerous behavior and puts others at risk.*<br /><br />2. **Athlete:** [Insert Athlete's Name] (Sport) - *Again, use a specific example.*<br /> * **Qualities/Attributes:** [e.g., Arrogance, selfishness, lack of accountability] - *Be specific.*<br /> * **Negative Impacts on Society:** [e.g., Failed to fulfill contractual obligations, engaged in public feuds that promoted negativity, made disparaging remarks about fans] - *Provide specific examples and explain the societal impact.*<br /><br /><br />**Do athletes in the public eye have a responsibility to act as positive role models?**<br /><br />Yes, I believe athletes in the public eye have a *significant* responsibility to act as positive role models. While they are primarily known for their athletic abilities, their visibility and influence, especially on young people, cannot be ignored. Their actions, both on and off the field, are scrutinized, and they have the power to shape attitudes and behaviors. This doesn't mean they have to be perfect, but it does mean they should strive to uphold ethical standards and contribute positively to society. When athletes engage in negative behaviors, it sends a message that such actions are acceptable, potentially leading others to emulate them. Conversely, when athletes use their platform for good, they can inspire positive change and make a real difference in the world. Therefore, while it's not a legally mandated responsibility, it is a moral and social one.<br />