Play the Game appoints new editor and international relations manager
With the appointment of Cibele Reschke Bengtson as editor and international relations manager, Play the Game sets out to strengthen its editorial work and international engagement at a time when questions of governance and democracy in international sport are becoming increasingly urgent.
From 1 May, Play the Game welcomes a new colleague to the team. Brazilian-born Cibele Reschke Bengtson brings more than a decade of experience as an international journalist, editor, and international relations advisor.
She has worked across television, print, and digital platforms, and has reported from Europe, East Asia, East Africa, and South America for major national and international media outlets.
“Cibele combines strong editorial skills with solid international experience and a clear understanding of how sport intersects with politics, power, and society,” says Stanis Elsborg, head of Play the Game.
“She has a rare profile that brings together journalism, academia, and international relations, which fits extremely well with Play the Game’s mission and work ahead.”
Alongside her journalistic background, Cibele has extensive experience working with international research environments and cross-border collaborations. She has contributed to the development of international conferences and worked on translating complex issues into accessible, public-facing communication.
She also has a strong academic background, holding a research-based Master of Science in Environmental Governance from the University of Oxford (completed with distinction), a Master’s degree in Politics and International Relations from Peking University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
“In recent years, we have seen a growing interest from journalists, researchers, advocates, and others working around sport who want to write, collaborate, and publish through Play the Game,” Stanis Elsborg says.
“At the same time, independent and critical sports journalism is under more pressure than ever. Journalism remains a core task for Play the Game, and with the addition of Cibele, we aim to strengthen our capacity to support, develop, and amplify this part of our work even further.”
As editor and international relations manager, Cibele’s key tasks will include developing Play the Game’s journalism and communication platforms, expanding international media and research networks, and contributing to the development and coverage of the Play the Game conference.