Sport for change
For young people, sport, play and exercise are vital for optimal growth and learning, stimulating physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. But the benefits of sport extend far beyond the individual. Through sport, we can lay the groundwork for positive, lasting change on the societal level.
Around the world, Mercy Corps’ Sport for Change programmes promote health awareness, accelerate psychological healing in areas affected by natural disasters and conflict, further social inclusion and cohesion, and contribute to economic development through a variety of sport-based activities. Our programmes take advantage of sport’s popularity and convening power to mobilize young people and their communities, communicate key messages, bring diverse groups together and teach valuable life skills in a way that is fun and participatory.
All stories about Sport for change
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Haiti: Today I'm living another way January 11, 2011
I've been working with Mercy Corps for four months now on the Moving Forward project. Moving Forward is a sport and play-based psychosocial support programme designed for youth affected by the January 12 earthquake here in Haiti.
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Kenya: Shaping the future November 11, 2010
In pursuit of a mentor or a role model, most people aren’t always fortunate enough to have someone who can serve as both.
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DR Congo: A day of peace in Congo September 21, 2010
Around the world, people took a moment to celebrate the International Day of Peace. The Mercy Corps team in Nyanzale, Democratic Republic of the Congo took time to celebrate the call for ceasefire and non-violence with the communities from displacement camps and Nyanzale town.
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West Bank and Gaza: Sports for Life October 15, 2008
In 2008, the Palestinian Federation for the Disabled became the Palestinian Paralympics Committee (PPC). Its purpose is to enhance the skills and abilities of people with disabilities through sports.
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Kosovo: Rallying around a goal June 15, 2006
Grabovc, Kosovo - The football pitch that lies on the outskirts of town, built by village residents and partially funded by Mercy Corps, might not seem that ambitious when compared to the roads, schools or other large projects being constructed in other parts of Kosovo.
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Kosovo: A level playing field: Peace-building through sport May 28, 2004
Ongoing ethnic tensions often limit opportunities for interaction between Kosovo Albanian and Kosovo Serb youths.
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Georgia: One wish October 17, 2002
In many ways Levan is like any 13-year-old boy in any country around the world. He is bright, inquisitive and has a passion for sports. "My wish is to become a football player, the best shooter on the national football team and to win the world championship," he says.