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This section provides gateways to the various themes in Sport & Development. You can also find background information on what Sport & Development is all about and a brief history of Sport & Development's evolution.

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What is sport and development?

‘Sport and development’ refers to the use of sport as a tool for development and peace.

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History of sport and development

Sport is not a new element in development cooperation. It has been used in an ad hoc way to reach development-related objectives as far back as the 1920s.

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Sport, education and child and youth development

Physical activity is vital to the holistic development of young people, fostering their physical, social and emotional health. The benefits of sport reach beyond the impact on physical well-being and the value of the educational benefits of sport should not be under-estimated.

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Sport and peacebuilding

The role of sport in peacebuilding is one of the most hotly-debated areas in sport and development. Find out more on the main areas of contention, including: definitions of 'peace' and the role of sport in rebuilding relationships; sport and peacebuilding at the grassroots and nation-state level; and the use of sport for the reintegration of child soldiers.

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Sport and disability

This section provides a summary of current thinking on the adaptation of physical activity, sport and recreation opportunities to ensure participation of individuals with a disability from development contexts.

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Sport and disaster response

This thematic profile introduces the concepts surrounding sport and disaster response. It includes an overview of the key issues along with links to recommended reading and resources.

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Sport and health

This section provides an overview of the related areas between sport and health. An introduction to the role of sport in enhancing physical and mental well-being is provided.

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Sport and gender

This topic presents the most salient aspects within the intersection between sport, gender and development.

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Sport and economic development

This topic includes a number of diverse issues relating to sport’s role in economic development in developing countries

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Sport and the sustainable development goals

All you need to know about the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and sport's role within it.

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The role of specific sports in development

This section showcases individual sports and the role these sports can play in achieving the sustainable development goals. Find out more about each sport and the characteristics that can be valuable to development programmes. Learn about projects in the sportanddev community as well as governing bodies, national associations and professional clubs.

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Child protection and safeguarding in sport

Every day millions of people participate in sport; such as coaches, athletes, volunteers, referees and organisers. For the majority, this is a positive experience that develops social networks, confidence, skills and knowledge. For others the experience is negative.