First Annual 2012 LARASA Congress:

Building Liveable Communities through a collaboration of Recreation, Leisure and Tourism initiatives

Introduction

The Leisure and Recreation Association of South Africa is pleased to present their first 2012 LARASA Congress : “Building Liveable Communities through the collaboration of Recreation, Leisure and Tourism initiatives” The theme highlights the issues and challenges we face in delivering sustainable recreation and leisure programs to communities, building sustainable and responsible tourism , improving the health and wellbeing of citizens and to build environmental stewardship in South Africa.

We are pleased to note the fantastic response from some of the most sought after speakers and leaders in the field of Recreation and Leisure. The congress has been designed to provide the delegate with an experience that will stimulate and invigorate the intellect.

A Forum, scheduled for first day, will be presented by world renowned keynote speakers :

• Prof Chris Edginton – United States of America

• Prof Karla Henderson – United States of America

• Prof Ming-Kai Chin - China (Advisor to the Organising Committee)

• Associate Prof Holly Donohoe – United States of America

• Prof Thomas Skalko – United States of America

• Prof LateefAmusa – South Africa

• Associate Prof Ricardo Uvinha - Brazil

The presentations during the forum will address issues on healthy lifestyle and wellness,show how infrastructure and services can transform societies, recreation as therapy and tourism.

The next two days will feature presentations in three parallel sessions. Each session will be opened by an invited speaker sharing knowledge and best practice in leisure service delivery. Invited speakers represent South Africa, Ireland, Canada, Romania, Turkey, Iran, Hong Kong, Hungary, Switzerland and Taiwan. The program includes 34 paper presentations and 4 workshops facilitated by experts in Yoga, Arts and Crafts as Therapy, demonstration on youth development through football, and developing a sound policy framework.

The 2012 LARASA Congress provides an important platform for academics, researchers, scholars, professionals in leisure, recreation, tourism, outdoor recreation, employee assistance programs, the arts, entertainment, culture and play to come together to share their research, knowledge and expertise. The Congress has attracted a keen interest from far and wide. All papers will be peer reviewed by the LARASA scientific committee and further reviewed for publication in a special edition of the African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance (AJPHERD) post Congress. All submissions must comply with the guidelines of AJPHERD.

Congress Sub- Themes:

• Recreation and Leisure promoting healthy lifestyles in communities

• Recreation and Leisure creating healthy and fit employees

• Boosting responsible Tourism practices for sustainability

• Promoting best practice in recreation and leisure programming in the public service

• Creating green and livable communities

• Promoting inclusive communities through Therapeutic Recreation

Audience

Researchers and academics from related fields and disciplines in these topics; leisure and recreation scholars; policy makers and professionals responsible for developing opportunities in leisure and recreation, tourism, sport and those with broader concerns to establish the legacy credentials of recreation projects and enterprises.

Endorsements

We are privileged and honoured to receive the support and endorsement of the 2012 LARASA Congress by thirteen international associations from thirteen countries. Click here for more information

Looking forward to an exciting and stimulating 2012 Congress – a first for South Africa and the continent.