Bridging the Divide in Sport and Sustainable Development: Guidebook Launch

The Japan Sport Council & sportanddev will launch a ‘Bridging the Divide in Sport and Sustainable Development’ guidebook on translating policy into practice and effective programme management on 22 August 2022.

We have covered several grassroots and charitable or not-for-profit organisations that focus on rugby and sustainable development through sports in Asia.

The Japan Sport Council (JSC) and the International Platform on Sport and Development (sportanddev) said they “are delighted to announce the launch of a comprehensive and practical global guidebook designed to build capacity among actors using sport for sustainable development.”

The guidebook – Bridging the Divide in Sport and Sustainable Development: A Guide for Translating Policy into Practice and Effective Programme Management (free to download) – has been completed after four years of consultation and research, said the organisations.

The open-access resource will aim to “bridge the divide between policy and practice by providing detailed guidance on designing, delivering and evaluating initiatives using sport for sustainable development.”

Sportanddev add “While sport is increasingly used as a tool for sustainable development by a growing range of actors across sectors and geographies, there remain gaps in understanding and application among policymakers and practitioners as to how sport can best contribute to sustainable development outcomes.

This guidebook responds to this need and aims to bridge the divide between policy and practice, between theory and reality, by detailing the main factors to consider when designing, delivering and evaluating initiatives using sport for sustainable development. By building capacity among policymakers and programme managers within and beyond the sports sector, this guidebook will contribute to improved policies and programmes, enabling greater and sustained impact.”

Who is the “Bridging the Divide in Sport and Sustainable Development” guidebook for?

The guidebook is aimed at audiences both within and beyond sport, including sports managers and administrators who are “expected to use sport as a vehicle for development as part of their work, and sport for development and peace (SDP) actors who can adapt and improve their initiatives.”

The book is also relevant for individuals and organisations in the broader (local and global) development sector who have yet to fully understand how sport can drive outcomes in their sector (e.g. public health).

Bridging the Divide in Sport and Sustainable Development Webinar – August 22 2022

There will be a webinar and launch of the guidebook (11:00-12:20 Central European Summer Time – CEST) on August 22 which interested participants can sign up for free.

The guidebook is currently available in English and Japanese but there are plans for other languages (e.g. French and Spanish).

Presenters and panellists:

• Mr. Satoshi Ashidate, President of Japan Sport Council
• Mr Connor Spreng, Executive Director of the Swiss Academy for Development
• Ms. Lin Sambili, Project Manager, Sport for Development and Peace (SDP), at the Commonwealth Secretariat
• Mr. Suheil Tandon, Director-Founder, Pro-Sport Development
• Mr. Morten Schmidt, Global Director of Programmes and Grants, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
• Ms. Talia Kaufman, Associate at the International Institute for Child Rights and Development

2022 Laureus Sport for Good Index – Sports sustainability strategy

2022 Laureus Sport for Good Index also in August 2022 announced a collaboration with Salesforce and SportsPro Media to produce an exclusive content series outlining how brands can create and implement a fit-for-purpose sports sustainability strategy.

• You can read more about the Sport For Good Playbook Part One (Strategy) here.

The Sport for Good Index highlights organisations that have clear societal and environmental impacts through sports.

Rugby Development News

• Race To Rugby World Cup – The Positive Ripple Effects.
• Asian Rugby Clubs and Grassroots Programs.
• Grassroots Rugby: Nak Suu Rugby Academy.
• HSBC’s World Of Opportunity Creating Rugby Opportunities For The Future.