The article points out how sport can address global agenda of UN relating to the Kazan Action Plan.

International perspective/ South Africa

The author reports cases of sport (interventions, researches, historical events) and explain how they are related to:

• • social cohesion
  • national building
  • social transformation
  • equality and inclusion

• 2015 – thousands of entities funding/implementing SDP programs, need of coordination
• 2018 – redefinition of roles in terms of SDP strategic planning and implementation at UN:
  • UNESCO (leader of global policy for physical education)
  • UNICEF (responsible for human rights agenda through SDP partnership).
• 2014 – IOC session: shared responsibility among UN and IOC in giving directions to sport sector in terms of social outcomes
• MINEPS VI as a turning point for SDP policy implementation with Ministers of Sport and Education:
  • Stipulation of Kazan Action Plan – strategic plan to create a case around sport in order to raise awareness among governments and civic society regarding the role of sport

• social cohesion:
  • several research reports sport as a social connector for people (development of social capital, trusting relationships, sense of belonging due to participation and membership)
• national building:
  • Nelson Mandel supporting the National Rugby Team in 1995 for reconciliation and national consciousness
• social transformation:
  • South Africa’s National Sport and Recreation Plan prioritizing mass participation and open access for social transformation
• equality and inclusion:
  • Race and ethnicity: athletes of ethnic minority (Cathy Freeman) carry symbolic value for minorities
  • Socio-economic status: MOD increased the participation rate in sport of impoverished children; sport-based programs as occasion for local coaches’ employability and income.
  • Age: physical activity as preventive strategies for chronic diseases

Sport can be an impactful vehicle to promote positive changes contributing to the improvement of our societies

With Kazan Action Plan sport is finally recognized in terms of social relevance for the national policy agenda but more research and intervention are needed in order to build a “case” around sport.

What implications does the Kazan Action Plan has for NGOs?

How can sport address various social issues in the community/communities you are working?

What are the needs and priorities for you to assist with in your community?