This book is dedicated to the memory of David McNair (1916-2010). For over 60 years
David had a distinctive involvement in, and made invaluable contributions to, regional,
national and international physical education-related activities. He had a profound
influence on the lives and careers of many as well as on national and international
developments in physical education both personally and through the many former
students he mentored during his tenure-ship at the University of Manchester, UK. He
was a worldwide renowned History of Physical Education scholar. At regional level, David
was an active “servant” within the North Western Counties Physical Education
Association (NWCPEA), an Association in which he variously served as Chairman,
Secretary, Member of the Executive Committee and Research Group and Blackpool
Easter School Principal. He was a prominent member of a NWCPEA group that conceived
the idea of a new research-focused journal, the Physical Education Review (now the
European Physical Education Review), the first issue of which was published in Spring, 1978
and, which subsequently became an internationally recognised “impact” journal. As
NWCPEA Honorary President, his continuing interest in research was manifest in his
support first for what has become an internationally significant text in the domain of
physical education, Physical Education. A Reader, published by Meyer & Meyer in 1998 and
now in its 3rd edition and secondly for this Contemporary Issues in Physical Education book.
Those who knew, or were acquainted with David McNair, will also remember him for his
sharp intellect, his quick wit, charismatic charm, confidence and assurance,
comradeship, as an all round attractive personality who was an inspiration to all.