Investment in sport can be catalyst for transformation, says Commonwealth sec-gen

She said the report offers a clear baseline stakeholders can use to measure how sport contributes to specific policy outcomes: including health, education, gender equality, social inclusion, and economic and sustainable development.

The Policy Brief of the report was revealed at the 7th International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport in Baku, Azerbaijan recently.

Speaking at the conference, Scotland KC said: "This evidence base provides a transparent accountability framework, which public and private investors and policy makers can access, to show that every dollar spent on sport provides a positive, tangible return which makes a difference in the world. And to show how sport contributes to happier, healthier societies; boosts productivity, trade and economic growth; breaks down the barriers between us, builds kinship, inclusivity and peace; and provides opportunities."

She added that investment in sport can be a catalyst for transformation at all levels – and the Commonwealth, in partnership with UNESCO, is working to translate the laudable intentions we all share into measurable action not only in the Commonwealth Family, but the world over.

The report figures highlight the disparity between activity levels of populations in high and low-income countries. Levels of inactivity are twice as high in high-income countries compared to low-income countries which essentially means activity levels decrease with a high or increasing gross national product.

Click here to read the Policy Brief.