Network
How was our network established?
In the realization of the “Sport for Sustainable Societies: Values + Tools Together” project, we embarked on a transformative journey that spanned 24 months, engaging partners from 8 partner countries and involving 32 participants. The project unfolded across three key dimensions:
i. international network building with our partners,
ii. an immersive training course held in Istanbul
iii. local dissemination activities.
Through concerted efforts, we successfully established the groundwork for the ‘Sport for Sustainable Societies’ Network, fostering collaborations among diverse stakeholders committed to leveraging sports for positive social impact.
The training course, hosted in the vibrant district of Kadıköy, Istanbul, became a crucible for knowledge exchange, experiential learning, and skill development. Participants, representing various youth and sport organizations, delved into thematic sessions on the political dimensions of sports, volunteering, human rights, and sustainable development.
The training course, hosted in the vibrant district of Kadıköy, Istanbul, became a crucible for knowledge exchange, experiential learning, and skill development. Participants, representing various youth and sport organizations, delved into thematic sessions on the political dimensions of sports, volunteering, human rights, and sustainable development.
Beyond borders, our collective initiatives extended into local communities, reaching 416 individuals across 8 countries, where sustainable development goals were integrated with sports-based activities. The project’s digital visibility soared through strategic dissemination efforts, contributing to the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform. As a culmination, the participants not only enriched their own capacities but also laid the foundation for a network poised to advance sustainable societal goals through the transformative power of sports.
Aim of the Network
The aim of the “Sport for Sustainable Societies” Network is to create a collaborative platform that leverages the power of sports to promote sustainable development, foster social inclusion, and enhance the well-being of communities. The network seeks to bring together organizations, youth workers, and stakeholders from different countries to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative methodologies in the intersection of sports, youth development, and sustainable societal impact.
Future Steps of the Network
By pursuing these short and medium-term plans, the “Sport for Sustainable Societies” Network aims to build a robust and dynamic community dedicated to harnessing the potential of sports for positive societal change on both local and international scales.
Short-Term Plans:
- Establishment and Launch: Set up the network, involving key stakeholders, and officially launch the “Sport for Sustainable Societies” initiative.
- Needs Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the specific challenges, opportunities, and priorities in each participating country or organization.
- Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate regular online and face-to-face meetings to encourage the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and successful strategies among network members.
- Training Programs: Develop and implement training programs focused on using sports as a tool for sustainable development, including sessions on youth engagement, cultural exchange, and community empowerment.
- Pilot Projects: Initiate small-scale pilot projects or local actions in participating countries to test the effectiveness of different approaches and gather real-world data on the impact of sports on sustainable societal goals.
Medium-Term Plans:
- Scaling Successful Initiatives: Based on the outcomes of local implementations in 8 countries, identify successful initiatives and work towards scaling them up for broader implementation.
- Advocacy and Policy Influence: Engage in advocacy efforts to promote the integration of sports-based approaches into national and international youth development policies.
- Expansion of Network: Grow the network by involving new organizations, institutions, and individuals who share a commitment to the network’s objectives.
- Resource Mobilization: Seek funding and partnerships to secure resources for larger projects, events, and initiatives that align with the network’s mission.
- Publication of Best Practices: Compile and publish a comprehensive guide or booklet showcasing best practices, success stories, and methodologies developed within the network to serve as a resource for wider audiences.
- International Events: Organize international conferences, workshops, or sports festivals to bring together diverse perspectives, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen the global impact of the network.
