International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2022
On 6th April 2022, in celebration of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP). We want to showcase some of the organisations in the Upshot community, who use the #powerofsport for social change. From Asia to South America, Europe to Africa, communities and individuals are supported, nurtured and inspired by their participation in sport.
Here are just a few of the many spotlights we can shine around the world to show how sport can change lives and achieve social outcomes. Driven by our common goal to make a difference to communities and individuals, let's come together to celebrate and champion sport as a proven force for social change!
Spirit of Soccer
Outcomes: Improve knowledge of landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), female empowerment, counter violent extremism
Countries: Iraq, Cambodia, Laos, Colombia
Sports: Soccer (Football)
💬 "Spirit of Soccer delivers a Mine Risk Education programme uses the power of football to educate players about the dangers of landmines and ERW. Across the world children and young people are being injured and killed by landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). We witness and measure increases in knowledge, awareness and recognition of landmines and ERW as well as confidence, wellbeing and safety."
Sport in Mind
Outcomes: Improve mental wellbeing
Countries: UK
Sports: Multi-sport
💬 "Sport in Mind believe taking part in sport or physical activity regularly has a positive impact on both our mental and physical wellbeing. We help people through participation in sport to cope with the stresses of daily life more effectively, build confidence and self-esteem, meet new people and make friends. The outcomes we have seen have been truly life-changing and inspiring."
Street Child United
Outcomes: Increase awareness of issues concerning street connected young people, more street children are better protected and respected
Countries: International
Sports: Football, Cricket and others as well as events
💬 "Street Child United uses the power of sport, specifically international sports events, to change the negative perceptions and treatment of children in street situations globally. We create a platform for the voices of young people to be heard, working towards outcomes where children are protected, respected and supported to realise their fullest potential."
European Football for Development Network (EFDN)
Outcomes: Improve social cohesion, improve physical and mental wellbeing
Countries: Europe
Sports: Football
💬 "EFDN aims to promote the power of football as a tool for social development and support the efforts of the network members in their initiatives to use football to reach out to various target groups in their communities. This creates a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing in order to develop a diversity of training methods that will directly benefit communities throughout Europe. The #Morethanfootball Action Weeks are a global campaign for the European football community to showcase the impact of their community and social responsibility activities and programmes."
OSCAR Foundation
Outcomes: Improve educational attainment, increase physical activity, improve digital literacy
Countries: India
Sports: Football
💬 " OSCAR Foundation is a Sports for Development (S4D) organisation that uses the power of football to encourage children to stay in school. Through Football, Education and Young Leader programmes, OSCAR has empowered 12,000 children and youth from low-income communities in India since 2010.
Football and Life-Skills sessions are delivered based on an in-house curriculum that imparts socio-emotional learning, value education and physical activity.
Digital Learning Centres (DLCs) promote digital literacy and provide access to computers for children living in low-income communities. OSCAR is committed to bridging the digital divide by offering a number of computer courses across age groups.
The Young Leader Programme is a key ‘football for development’ initiative that is the foundation for the sustainability of OSCAR. Youth from our programme are identified and provided with leadership and life-skills training. They then go on to mobilise and work with children from underprivileged communities."