University of Windsor Scholarship at UWindsor Electronic Theses and Dissertations Theses, Dissertations, and Major Papers 2005 South African apartheid and the 1976 Torontolympiad: A historical analysis of influential actions and ve ents affecting the 5th Paralympic Games (Ontario). David A. Greig University of Windsor Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/etd Recommended Citation Greig, David A., "South African apartheid and the 1976 Torontolympiad: A historical analysis of influential actions and events affecting the 5th Paralympic Games (Ontario)." (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3542. https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/etd/3542 This online database contains the full-text of PhD dissertations and Masters’ theses of University of Windsor students from 1954 forward. These documents are made available for personal study and research purposes only, in accordance with the Canadian Copyright Act and the Creative Commons license—CC BY-NC-ND (Attribution, Non-Commercial, No Derivative Works). Under this license, works must always be attributed to the copyright holder (original author), cannot be used for any commercial purposes, and may not be altered. Any other use would require the permission of the copyright holder. Students may inquire about withdrawing their dissertation and/or thesis from this database. For additional inquiries, please contact the repository administrator via email ([email protected]) or by telephone at 519-253-3000ext. 3208. SOUTH AFRICAN APARTHEID AND THE 1976 TORONTOLYMPIAD: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF INFLUENTIAL ACTIONS AND EVENTS AFFECTING THE 5™ PARALYMPIC GAMES *>y David A. Greig A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research through the Faculty of Human Kinetics in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor Windsor, Ontario, Canada 2005 ©2005 David A. Greig Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. 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Abstract The 5th Paralympic Games were hosted by the Borough of Etobicoke in the City of Toronto, August 3rd to the 11th 1976. Staged amidst great turmoil resulting from the participation of a team from South Africa, these games have been recognized by the founding father of the Paralympic Games, Sir Ludwig Guttmann, as the first Paralympic festival to be directly impacted by political forces. This paper identifies the events and actions that played a significant role in the development and eventual staging of the 1976 Paralympic Games. It highlights the perspective of influential agents and their roles in the organization of the games, outlines the relationship between the Canadian federal government and the Organizing Committee, and provides a chronological timeline of events leading up to the staging of the games. Decision making processes, their actors, and resultant actions ultimately influencing the Torontolympiad are analyzed throughout this paper. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews, extensive archival reviews, and newspaper analysis, this paper highlights a frame in time that was important to the development and staging of the Torontolympiad. Archives utilized include the National Archives of Canada, the Province of Ontario Archives, and the City of Toronto Archives. Analysis reveals that although the Torontolympiad Organizing Committee defied the Federal Government by accepting the entries of the South African team, the outcomes of their decision had a positive impact on the Torontolympiad. The Torontolympiad forced the Canadian Federal Government to realize that disability sport was a legitimate state concern, and thrust the Paralympic Games into the spotlight of the Canadian media. iii Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Acknowledgements As a child on the farm I learned that no one was going to do the work for me, no matter what it took, I had to get the job done myself. This knowledge has not left me, and its source still reminds me that it rings true. My source of inspiration has been my family. With unconditional love, unconditional support, and their grounding influence, I am forever in their debt. My parents Mel and Marg, your dedication to the earth and the betterment of the lives that surround you is amazing. To my brothers, Michael and John, your unwavering support, guidance, and honesty is always welcome. To Madeleine, my heart and soul, you just get it, I cannot ask for any thing more than that. I would like to thank Dr. Scott Martyn who was more than just an advisor. You have served as a mentor and a friend, thank you for your input, advice, technical knowledge and the long chats. You had faith when others didn’t, this journey wouldn’t have been the same without your insight. To my committee members, Dr. Bob Boucher, Dr. Suzan Ilcan, and Dr. Bruce Kidd, thank you for your input and guidance. Vicky, thank you for being the Chair of my defense, your input and continued support throughout this process have been awesome. The expert opinion of many Torontolympiad participants and volunteers helped ease my literature review and added many stories of interest throughout the process. Thank you to Dr. Robert Jackson, Barbara Montemurro, and Dr. David Legg for their insight and assistance. I would be remiss to not thank the two individuals who got me involved in Paralympic sport. You have challenged me, brought me success, and given me perpetual laughter. Jeff May and Jessica Matassa, my partners in crime. It is because of the two of you that I seek to make the sporting system better. I know that there are others like you out there who are putting their faith in a guy like me. iv Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. The Faculty of Human Kinetics and the Department of Athletics and Recreation Services has been home for over eight years now. It has been a place of comfort, stimulation, and enlightenment. Dennis, Diane, Pat, Brett, Pete, Mike, and Gord. My colleagues, my associates, my friends, you have all shaped my life. The Blue and Gold flows deep in my heart, a loyal Lancer I will always be. To Dr. Alan Metcalfe, Yes, I am finally done my thesis! Thanks for the persistent reminders over the years. To Dr. Gordon Olafson, in 2001 you told me that you would only support my Graduate School application if I guaranteed I would work hard, and write a good thesis. I hope you are pleased, thank you for giving me the courage and confidence in my skills. The path to discovery is full of hills and valleys. The hills and valleys do not seem so daunting and steep when you have help, support, and faith behind you. For the faithful, the supportive, and all of those who helped, I must give a very heartfelt thank-you. I cannot name you all, but everyone who has asked “have you got it done yet?” I know that you ask because you care. I will be very happy to answer yes from this point onward. v Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Contents Page Abstract..................................................................................................................................iii Acknowledgments .................................................................................................................iv List of Appendices .......................................... viii Glossary of Abbreviations ..................................................................................................