Monday, July 25, 2016
Queen’s University security expert David Murakami Wood and marketing expert Tandy Thomas are available to comment on the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio.
David Murakami Wood
Queen’s University expert David Murakami Wood is available to comment on the security and surveillance at the Rio Games. Dr. Murakami Wood has conducted research in Rio and is knowledgeable about the policing situation.
“Issues around increased security and surveillance at the Olympic Games and sports mega-events in general: the way in which the Games act as a test-bed for new technologies of surveillance, and the way in which the Games tend to result in both temporary intensification of security (particularly for the already excluded) and a legacy of increased surveillance after the event,” says Dr. Murakami Wood. “Particular security and surveillance issues in Rio de Janeiro, around the harsh policing of poor communities and marginalized groups in the favelas, and the policy of pacification that started before the run-up to the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, but which has been intensified for them.”
Tandy Thomas
Queen’s University expert Tandy Thomas can comment on marketing challenges surrounding this summer’s Games.
“The Olympic Games in Rio have been plagued with issues but organizers are still pushing forward to bring the world to Brazil. Marketing a Games like this is a challenge as potential spectators are scared of travelling to Brazil, pre-event coverage is focusing on all that is going wrong instead of the triumphant sporting accomplishments, and athletes themselves are approaching the event with trepidation.”
To arrange an interview, please contact communications officer Chris Armes (613-533-6000 ext. 77513 or chris.armes@queensu.ca) or Anne Craig (613-533-2877 or anne.craig@queensu.ca) at Queen’s University News and Media Services Department in Kingston, Ont., Canada.
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