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Press Release

EU recognises the value of sport as a tool to address social policy

11 November 2011

The European Union Sub-Committee has recognised the importance of using sport as a powerful tool to address social policy areas, including those concerning health, education, disadvantage and personal development.

Documenting examples from grassroots sport organisations, the report indicates that when used as part of a holistic intervention, sport plays a crucial role in contributing to policy areas in which the EU has a stake, including policies on [international] development and cooperation.

The report concludes that sport must be considered in its own right and that more must be done to ensure that the voice of grassroots sport is sufficiently heard.

For over 10 years Right To Play has used sport and play-based activities as a tool to educate and inspire children and youth living in disadvantaged and underrepresented communities around the developing world. Results from these interventions include positive societal benefits – 89% of coaches noted enhanced social development within their community in Benin, and increased school attendance – Right To Play trained teachers in Azerbaijan found a 20% increase in attendance at the primary level. These results highlight the crucial role of sport in addressing development issues, such as though outlined in the Millennium Development Goals.

'We are delighted that the EU has recognised the significance of sport and play as a tool to achieve development goals, as well as its own role in this process. By integrating sport into its policy making and funding streams and encouraging Member States to improve their own performance, sport for development and peace will continue to be identified and prioritised as a successful and necessary intervention. Ensuring that sport is mainstreamed effectively at the EU and national level requires a collaborative approach, and we look forward to partnership opportunities as these policies develop' Stacey Cram – Advocacy and Campaigns Manager, Right To Play.



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