“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination”
Nelson Mandela, 25 May 2000, Inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards, Monaco
Our sport for development programs aims to create an enabling environment in which young people can learn the values and benefits of sport, raise health awareness about life, enhances the social and emotional development of women and girls in disadvantaged communities, inspires healthy behaviour change and increase their educational achievements and employability skills.
Our specific activities include training camps for women and youth leaders; sport outreaches; skills training for girls; and much more.
Through sports and games children acquire skills of leadership, teamwork and communication. We highlight serious social issues faced by women, children and young people and we unlock greater resources through effective advocacy and communications.
Why Sport:
Sport has the capacity to transform the lives of individuals. It bolsters physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being and development. At the same time sport plays a significant role in cultures and communities around the world.
Beyond what it contributes to physical, psychological and emotional well-being, sport also plays a significant role in healthy social development and interaction. Sport helps people learn how to set and achieve goals through discipline and hard work. It nurtures the development of decision-making and leadership abilities, while teaching people to
manage both success and failure.
The participation of persons with disabilities in sport can also lead to a shift in public perception about disability, focusing attention on ability and commonality, rather than disability and difference.
Because of its ability to bring people together, stimulate confidence and teamwork, and attract public and media attention, sport serves as a useful tool for promoting social or policy change. Disadvantaged groups, such as women or persons with disabilities, may have their first opportunity to gather and organize around sports events. Sport can help people find a voice, both individually and collectively, that they then use to bring about change in their own lives and communities.