Peace Day: Empowering Children Through Sport
Armed conflict, migration, poverty, climate crisis – today, children’s rights are threatened in many contexts around the world. On the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, SE Sports club highlights the importance of sports in strengthening children’s protection and resilience.
Saturday, April 6, is the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. SE Sports club is committed to protecting children through sport and shows how sports and well-being are closely linked to peace and children’s rights.
Hasina is one of the girls who gained confidence through the sport of kabaddi, which is mainly played by men in India. Especially in West Bengal, where Hasina lives, the risk of sexual abuse, trafficking and child marriage is high. “Before I started playing kabaddi, I felt worthless,” Hasina said.
Sports activities are designed to develop skills such as teamwork, cooperation and self-confidence. At the same time, they are accompanied by awareness-raising messages to make children aware of risks and dangers and to strengthen self-protection.
"Sport is an effective way to help children recover from adversity, develop life skills and become advocates for change. Supporting children to participate in safe sport helps us to fulfil our commitment to upholding children's rights and create an environment where every child can thrive, regardless of their status or past experiences"
Most sports activities are co-led by children and young people. In this way, they also learn to organize activities with their peers, which strengthens their capacity for action and ensures the sustainability of the projects. But the empowerment does not stop there: young people learn to defend their rights in other areas, such as climate change, conflict or gender inequality. Sports projects also involve children's families and communities to make a lasting impact. Sport enables people to work across cultures and communities to promote more peaceful coexistence.
"Sport can fill a void for some young people, but not only that, it can also give them confidence and ambition. A society that cares about sports is a society that can work for a better future," said Eslam, a 24-year-old Egyptian football participant.
To raise standards for child protection in sport, SES works with sports organisations such as the Olympic Refugee Fund, UEFA, the International Olympic Committee and FIBA.
