Sport and physical activity in society are more important than ever as people, and especially younger generations, become less active and obesity levels continue to rise with negative impacts on society. There are countless testimonials as to the value of sport and physical activity as a tool that can help drive social change, tackle issues such as inclusion amidst diversity or gender equality, or as a means to inspire greater self-confidence, and ultimately contribute to healthier and happier individuals of all ages, abilities and nationalities.
The Sport and Active Society development grants are an initiative of the IOC’s Sport and Active Society Commission. They were created to further its mission to encourage people everywhere to participate in regular physical activity and to promote the health and social benefits of sport.
Interested in applying?
Applicants are encouraged to illustrate how their project or initiative fits in one of three themes:
1) sports legacy for the Olympic Games or other major events;
2) community-wide promotion of physical activity; and
3) youth engagement.
To be considered for a grant, applicants should demonstrate that their project has a long-term and sustainable timeline; uses sport or physical activity as a tool to improve social issues; uses available public space and/or sports facilities and venues to promote participation in physical activity; has concretely developed long-term partnerships; and has a solid monitoring/evaluation plan in place.
In order to further secure the future and development of their project, applicants are also encouraged to seek matching funding for their proposed project by obtaining a letter of commitment from another organisation.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), not-for-profit organisations, International and National Federations (including IOC-Recognised International Federations) and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are eligible to apply.
The deadline for submissions is 1 May 2017.
Winning entrants will be announced by end of June, with funding scheduled to be provided to the organisations in September.
Those interested in applying for a grant are asked to send a completed application form to: [email protected].
Development grants in action
The recipients of the 2016 IOC Sport and Active Society development grants have wasted no time in using the funds to implement their proposed projects. For example, international sport-for-development organisation Shooting Touch used its grant to raise awareness on gender-based violence in Rwanda. Read the full story here. In turn, the Salaam Bombay Foundation used the funds to organise a sporting tournament to inspire, empower and educate young girls in India. Read the full story here.
Other development grant winners were: Boxgirls Kenya, which uses boxing as a catalyst for social change and a tool of empowerment for women and girls and Dreamfields Project, which provides townships and rural schools across South Africa with the necessary tools and equipment to play football, netball and rugby.
Advocating Sport for All
The IOC Sport and Active Society Commission works to increase the accessibility of sport as a right for all, and engages with society to build on the sporting legacy of the Olympic Games and other major events. It is also responsible for activities related to the implementation of Olympic Agenda 2020, specifically those linked to the promotion of active lifestyles in society, in particular among young people.
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