Applications for the sport and active society development grants are now open
Four development grants worth CHF 20,000 each will be given by the IOC Sport and Active Society Commission to organisations that promote the health and social benefits of sport and participation in regular physical activity.
According to the World Health Organisation, one in four adults is not active enough, and more than 80 per cent of the world’s adolescent population is insufficiently physically active. In addition, inactivity serves as one of the leading risk factors for noncommunicable diseases.
Sport can consequently play a fundamental role, especially for younger generations. However, it has not only health benefits, as it can also be an essential driver for social change and inclusion.
The Sport and Active Society Development Grants are an initiative of the IOC’sSport and Active Society Commission: non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and International and National Sports Federation (including IOC-Recognised International Federations) can submit their applications by 14 December, and winners will be announced within the first few months of 2019.
To be eligible for 2018 Grants, the projects must focus on at least one of the following themes:
- Social inclusion of refugees through sport and physical activity
- Promoting gender equality at all level of sport
- Bringing sport and physical activity t the urban setting
- Engaging young people and/or senior citizens in physical activity
In addition, candidate’s projects should demonstrate some key elements: long-term and sustainable timelines; sport or physical activity as effective tools to tackle social issues; available public space and/or sports facilities and venues used to promote participation in physical activity; long-term partnerships to sustain the project; and/or a monitoring plan is in place.
To apply for a grant, please refer to the 2019 Development Grant website.
The last edition’s Grantswere given to three organisations that developed truly inspiring programmes:HelpAge International, which promoted health ageing through active ageing groups in Tanzania; Skateistan, which created a project to encourage education through skateboarding for Afghan youth; and Pro Sport Development, which developed and implemented a variety of sports and sports-based programmes for young marginalised and underprivileged people in India in various settings and institutions.