Team Up shares the importance of IDSDP in the Pacific region

Every year on April 6, IDSDP reminds us how sport can create positive change in communities everywhere. For Team Up, the Australian Government’s sport for development program in the Pacific, this day reaffirms our commitment to using sport as a platform for gender equality, disability inclusion, and creating safer, more inclusive communities across seven Pacific Island countries.

Question 1: Why is the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) so important?

Sport is more than just a game, it is a tool for breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women, girls, and people with a disability to fully participate in society. Through our 37 programs and strong partnerships with local and regional organisations, we have witnessed firsthand the transformational power of sport. From empowering women as coaches and leaders to ensuring that people of all abilities can play and lead, Team Up is committed to making sport accessible and impactful for everyone.

IDSDP is not only a celebration of these achievements but also a call to action, a moment to reflect on how far our partnerships have come using sport to transform. It reminds us to keep pushing for more inclusive policies, stronger safeguarding measures, and greater representation in sport at all levels.

Question 2: How is your organisation planning to celebrate IDSDP this year?

As we do each year, Team Up will celebrate IDSDP 2025 by highlighting the incredible work of our supported programs in advancing gender equality and disability inclusion through sport. On the ground our programs will be celebrating IDSDP by staging joint activities to raise the profile of the value sport can play to addressing social issues and contributing to development goals.

Using video submissions from our partners, which are part of their regular reporting, we’ll create a highlight video showcasing how sport is transforming lives across the Pacific. This will be shared on our social media and website to celebrate their efforts, inspire others, and raise awareness that these programs exist and make a real impact.

Question 3: What is your perspective on the future of sport for development?

At Team Up, we believe the future of sport for development lies in a world where gender equality and disability inclusion are the norm, not the goal. Once sport becomes truly accessible to all, we can shift focus to tackling broader challenges like climate change.

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