UO | SPD

In 2020, authoritarianism was on the rise around the world. In the United States, mega corporations united to form their own political party called The Collective Party to undermine democracy and support corporate interests. Meanwhile, one corporation called Starling began to take control. Originally a grocery delivery service, it quickly expanded and by 2050 became solely relied on by Americans for their everyday needs as well as employment. As it grew, Starling built large corporate campuses outside metropolitan areas such as Portland. People began to move to these suburban campuses, abandoning urban centers.

Climate change-related catastrophes motivated Starling to adopt radical sustainability practices on its campuses. It mandated that everyone move into them to reduce their commutes and live more sustainably. Anyone who failed to obey Starling’s decrees would be exiled. In a controversial move, Starling decided to minimize any unnecessary risk of injury to the body or brain that could affect the productivity of its workforce. Prioritizing productivity over the freedom of the people, Starling outlawed all sports.

As a way to express themselves and rebel against authoritarian government, athletes began to organize covert sports events outside the corporate bubble. Under the cover of darkness, athletes and rebellious thrill seekers snuck out to compete in abandoned cities