Medium and small-sized sports events often operate under the radar of mainstream attention, yet their impact on communities, economies, and sports development is profound. While mega-events garner extensive research and media coverage, there is a critical need to shine a spotlight on the diverse and nuanced implications of medium and small-sized sports events. This Research Topic aims to fill this gap by providing a platform for in-depth exploration and analysis of the impact of medium/small-size sports events as well as other non-mega events across various dimensions.

Medium and small-sized sports events encompass a wide range of competitions, from regional tournaments and university games to niche sports/e-sports championships and grassroots initiatives. Despite their relatively modest scale compared to mega-events like the Olympics or World Cup, these events play a vital role in shaping the sporting landscape and fostering community engagement. They serve as catalysts for local development, cultural exchange, and sports participation, often leaving lasting legacies beyond their immediate duration.

This Special Issue invites contributions that explore the multifaceted impact of medium/small-size sports events, encompassing but not limited to the following focus areas:
1. Socio-Economic Impact: articles exploring the economic significance of medium/small-size sports events, including their social role in stimulating tourism, enhancing infrastructure, and generating local business opportunities.
2. Cultural Implications: investigations into the cultural dimensions of medium/small size sports events, examining their influence on identity formation, cultural exchange, and community cohesion.
3. Environmental Sustainability: studies evaluating the environmental footprint of medium/small size sports events and strategies for promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices within event management.
4. Grassroots Sports Development: research addressing the role of medium/small-size sports events in promoting grassroots sports participation, youth engagement, and active lifestyles.
5. Governance and Organizational Structures: analyses of the governance frameworks and organizational structures governing medium/small size sports events, assessing their efficiency, transparency, accountability, and organizational issues.
6. Event Tourism Leveraging: analyses of the pertinent literature on sports events and tourism policy framework for leveraging event portfolios and creating value for the host destination’s tourism product.
7. Digital business opportunity: articles exploring the impact of eSports events on the local economy in host destinations, with a direct effect on the hospitality industry and tourism as well as on the digital youth culture.

This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of the impact of medium/small-size sports events and provide actionable insights for stakeholders, policymakers, organizers, bidders, and local communities, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and inspiring future research agendas in the field of sports and active living. This Research Topic is also open to research focusing on major events in line with the scope of the collection.

We welcome submissions employing diverse methodological approaches, including quantitative analyses, qualitative analyses, case studies, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Contributions may draw upon empirical research, theoretical frameworks, or practical insights derived from stakeholder engagement and best practices in event management.

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Impact

Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

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Impact