The Commonwealth Guide to Advancing Development through Sport

In the last two decades the use of sport within development and peace work has gained increased profile and credibility. Today sport is recognised at the local and international levels as a tool that, if well planned and effectively delivered, can contribute to beneficial social change.

This Guide has been produced by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS) to provide support for governments and other key stakeholders seeking to strengthen the contribution of sport to development and peace work. The guide acknowledges both the value and complexity of using sport in development and peace work and recommends key principles to maximise sports contribution and minimise possible negative consequences.

Section I provides an evidence-based analysis of the contribution of sport to development objectives, and examines six policy domains in which sport can contribute to development: youth, health, education, gender, diversity, and peace-building.

Section II provides a framework for analysis, planning and monitoring of sport in development and peace work. The framework is a practical tool that offers detailed guidelines for policy options, strategic approaches and implementation mechanisms.

The Guide is supported throughout by appropriate references to policy statements and research evidence. It also includes several examples of current initiatives worldwide that illustrate how sport can be applied in support of development and peace.

Tess Kay is an associate professor at the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, The Netherlands.

Oliver Dudfield is Sport Development Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat.