Sport for development and peace 365

There are things we do and look forward to every day. Some people cannot wait for that first cup of coffee in the morning. Others eagerly check their Facebook page to catch up on all the latest happenings with their friends.

Some live for that big hug when their partner comes home at the end of the day. Many of us, however, put on our swimsuits, lace up running shoes, or gather our biking gear in anticipation of challenging our physical selves on a daily basis.

Each of these activities listed above does something to transform us during the day, whether it is a caffeine jolt, a connection with a friend, or a loving gesture. This leads to the question -- where does sport and physical activity fit in here and why should it be a part of everyone's life 365 days a year?

To begin with, the practice of sport and physical activity is a basic human right, and so all people should have access to sport and physical activity at a level that matches their abilities and interests.

When used appropriately, sport also has great power, including the power to inform, empower, and transform both individuals and communities.

One way this can happen is through the vehicle of sport for development and peace (SDP).

Using sport and physical activity to promote positive social change is at the heart of SDP. SDP activities occur around the world every day, taking on different forms and addressing different social issues depending on when and where the activities take place.

One thing is for certain, similar to the daily good natured saying, "It's 5:00 somewhere!" one could also say "It's SDP somewhere" on a daily basis.

Sport for development and peace happens 365 days a year, every day in communities around the world. Sport for development and peace is neither a one-time event nor a one-time interaction.

• Visit the Huffington Post website to read the full length article

[This article has been edited by the Operating Team]