History of the World Leisure Organization: a 50-year perspective and analysis

Abstract

For more than 50 years, the World Leisure Organization (WLO) has engaged in providing technical support, advocacy and research activities to promote recreation and leisure on a worldwide basis. The purpose of this historical review is to provide a 50-year perspective and analysis of the activities of the WLO. The historical inquiry has been framed around seven (7) research questions focusing on: factors leading to its establishment; leadership; major policy statements; programmes, services and events; sources of financial support; and major publications. Initiated as an offshoot of the National Recreation Association in the USA, the organization was supported by its parent organization and the philanthropic generosity of industrialists and others. Located in New York City, New York (USA), the organization had close ties to the United Nations (UN) and its programmes during its formative years. Subsequently, changes in leadership required a relocation of the World Leisure Secretariat to the location of the Secretary General. Over time, the Secretariat has been moved to Canada and is now again located in the USA. Major global events of the WLO include the World Leisure Congress, World Leisure EXPO and the World Leisure Games. Other programmes of note which have been developed and continue to this day include World Leisure Centers of Excellence, World Leisure Commissions, World Leisure Chapters, World Leisure Academy and the World Leisure Honors and Awards programme.

Keywords:

• association
• history
• international
• leisure
• recreation
• world

Acknowledgements

The author would like to express his appreciation to Ginnell Harlin, Xiafei Nie, Johanna Smith and Carol Bean for their assistance in researching and in the preparation of this article.