In this capacity

[Allen165]

Is the use of "in this capacity" correct in the sentence below?

Sport, as discussed earlier in this paper, has various important functions in society. Thus, in governing such a socially significant activity, sports federations perform a task of public interest, a task normally reserved for governmental bodies. In this capacity, sports federations have instituted their own legislative, executive and judicial bodies.

Thank you very much.

[Raymott]

Is the use of "in this capacity" correct in the sentence below?

Sport, as discussed earlier in this paper, has various important functions in society. Thus, in governing such a socially significant activity, sports federations perform a task of public interest, a task normally reserved for governmental bodies. In this capacity, sports federations have instituted their own legislative, executive and judicial bodies.

Thank you very much.

Yes, it refers back to "governing". "In the capacity of governing such a socially significant activity ..."
But, I'd say "Thus" is wrong, and should be "Therefore".

[Allen165]

I thought "therefore" and "thus" were synonyms. My dictionary states that "Therefore and thus are both fairly formal words that introduce a statement that is a consequence of the previous statement."

What's the difference according to you?

Thanks.

[Raymott]

I thought "therefore" and "thus" were synonyms. My dictionary states that "Therefore and thus are both fairly formal words that introduce a statement that is a consequence of the previous statement."

What's the difference according to you?

Thanks.

"Thus" means "like this" usually (Also see below) It is rather formal. Therefore is not formal at all. They are not synonyms.

Cambridge:
1) Bend from the waist, thus.(like this)
2 with this result:
They planned to reduce staff and thus to cut costs. (by this means)

You use "therefore" if you want to express a consequence. (for that reason). Sometimes you might be able to interchange them.

Merriam Webster

• Main Entry: thus

1 : in this or that manner or way <described it thus>
2 : to this degree or extent : so <thus far>
3 : because of this or that : hence, consequently
4 : as an example

[Allen165]

It seems to me that "thus" is wider in meaning than "therefore," but the two words can be synonyms (see also Thus Definition | Definition of Thus at Dictionary.com). If "thus" can mean "hence" or "consequently," I don't see why I would have to replace it with "therefore" in the sentence "Thus, in governing such a socially significant activity, sports federations perform a task of public interest, a task normally reserved for governmental bodies." I do however think that "therefore" sounds better.

Thanks.