Empowering Change Through Sport: CRISP’s Global Journey in Sport for Development

Over the past 1.5 years, CRISP has successfully implemented 35 intensive online courses centered on the theme of Sport for Development. These courses, held over two to three days, focused on key areas: Sport for Gender Equality, Sport for Social Cohesion, and Sport for Employability. Engaging coaches and organizations worldwide, the program explored how sport can drive meaningful social change in diverse contexts.

The courses delved deeply into the complexities of gender equality, addressing topics such as harmful masculinities in sport, sport and gender-based violence, and how sport can serve as a powerful tool in to transfer knowledge about gender equality and a more just society. Thereby we examined theories of gender inequalities, unequal access to sport for different genders, emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity, and reinforced the principles of a "do no harm" approach, alongside safeguarding measures. An additional focus , we explored various theories on social cohesion, discussing how sport can create spaces for interaction and understanding between groups that may otherwise harbor hostility toward each other. Another key focus was on the potential of sport to enhance employability, particularly for young people in regions grappling with high youth unemployment.

The courses were enriched by the vibrant and insightful discussions of participants, who shared their experiences, cultural perspectives, and the barriers they face in their work. Together, we explored solutions and strategies to overcome these challenges.

These two years of in-depth dialogue and collaboration have been an enriching experience, and we are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the promotion of more peaceful and inclusive societies through sport.

This project is funded by the GIZ within the framework of Sport for Development and was carried out in collaboration with the German Sport University Cologne.