Everyone Can Play: Sports as a Catalyst for Development and Integration, CGI 2016

Posted in: Global Initiatives |
Everyone Can Play: Sports as a Catalyst for Development and Integration, CGI 2016

Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world… It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand…”

Sports programs are valuable tools for development, education, health, and the integration of youth and vulnerable populations—yet they are often underfunded and under-resourced, exacerbating participation barriers for many individuals worldwide but particularly for those living in developing countries. The obstacles to playing sports are even greater for those with disabilities, girls and women, and the LGBT community, causing them to bypass meaningful opportunities to increase self-esteem, life skills, and community integration. It is in the interest of actors across sectors to work together to break down barriers and boost worldwide participation in sports to ensure that everyone can play.

In this session, leaders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors will discuss how CGI members can:

• Develop long-term financing solutions for sustainable sports initiatives—particularly in developing and low-income regions.
• Increase and improve non-monetary resources for sports, such as safe environments and access to equipment, coaches, and inclusive community programs.
• Support partnerships that enable sports to bridge cultural and ethnic divides, promote tolerance and non-discrimination, and reinforce social unification.

Panel Discussion:

MODERATOR:

Ben Osborne, Editor-in-Chief, Bleacher Report

PANELISTS:

Jason Collins, Goodwill Ambassador and Retired Player, NBA
Lex Gillette, Four-time US Paralympic Silver Medallist; Track & Field – Long Jump, United States Paralympics
Becca Meyers, Swimmer, Team USA
Ibtihaj Muhammad, Fencer, Team USA
Casey Wasserman, Chairman & CEO, Wasserman, Chairman, LA2024

Photo Credit: Clinton Global Initiative

Source Publication: Clinton Foundation

Everyone Can Play: Sports as a Catalyst for Development and Integration