More than sport

• The positive contribution that sport can make to society is well recognised. The World Health Organisation acknowledges sport as an enabler to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs outline how sport and physical activity has multiple health, social and economic benefits. A set of measures have been developed by The Commonwealth to help sports monitor and evaluate the contribution of sport to the SDGs.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have led the development of the Kazan Action Plan. The Plan highlights the important role sport plays in achieving inclusive access for all through sport, contribution to the SDGs and protecting the integrity in sport.
• Worldwide, governments are using sport diplomacy to improve international relations and promote peace and prosperity.
• Sport is increasingly being used as a means for governments and companies to achieve additional policy objectives, i.e. governments incorporating sport into policies to tackle adult and childhood obesity and improve community wellbeing, or using sport to address school attendance.
• Sport is being used as a means of building social capital in marginalised communities and as a contributor to improving mental health particularly given the associated personal, economic and social burden.

What this could mean for sport?

• Be clear about the difference between a primary role of delivering quality sport and building on other areas of impact.
• Understand your sport's role in a broader community setting and recognise the broader societal benefits you can offer.
• If addressing additional outcomes, look for opportunities to access funding, create partnerships and tap into other resources, e.g. addressing crime, education outcomes.
• Opportunities to increase your community profile through social responsibility programs e.g. Play for Lives.
• Identify new partners and open new avenues for participants, volunteers etc.

Resources

• Clearinghouse for Sport – Value and Benefits of Sport
• World Health Organisation - Sustainable Development Goals, opens in a new tab
• The Commonwealth – Measuring the contribution of sport to the SDGs, opens in a new tab
• UNESCO – Kazan Action Plan, opens in a new tab
• World Health Organisation – Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030, opens in a new tab
• Play for Lives, opens in a new tab
• Laureus Sport for Good Annual Review 2019, opens in a new tab