News
Leveraging Sports Ecosystem for Socio-Economic Development
National and international stakeholders in the field of sports and physical education gathered to discuss the contribution of sports to socio-economic development, with thoughts shared on ways to advancing integrity and good governance in sports, with insistence on enabling policy and regulatory frameworks.
The conference also looked at qualification frameworks for a holistic development of careers in sports and the education, competences and skills it take to get there. The social impact induced by effective investments in sport, inclusivity through sports, or even sport-induced environment degradation and climate change were among the themes discussed, for promoting sports for development and peace.
The 3rd KAS Conference served as a catalyst for innovation, partnerships and investment in sports and knowledge exchange. It emerged as a key platform for creating opportunities for economic growth and social progress through sports, with investment in education, skills development and capacity building as a key.
A presentation by Dr Georgios Machtsiras (University of Edinburg), featured sport science contribution to boost performance in elite sports, illustrated with experiences he conducted using biomechanics and hydrodynamics to enhance sports equipment. Mr Martin Sisa (ADAK) underlined both negative use of science to produce doping substances, and its contribution to fight doping in sports, and insisted on integrity and ethics in sports. Prof. Vincent Onywera (KCA University, Kenya) placed university and research in at the core of sports for development. Cutting-edge technologies and emerging trends as AI were also recognized as central for a sustainable sports industry.
Sport as a social equalizer transpired clearly from experiences shared. Mrs. Dorcas Amakobe, CEO Moving the Goalpost outlined transformation in the lives of young girls in Kilifi, Kenya, through football. Mr. Mike Sifiso Ndebele, Coach/facilitator associated with Fùtbal da ForÇa highlighted youth empowerment through sports in Zambia and Mozambique, while insisting on leadership and integrity needed of coaches. Mrs. Anzel Laubscher, Chess Coach from South Africa shared about the huge power of Chess game to unlock the mindset, boost the potential and restore dignify of street children, exemplified by a project conducted in Lagos, Nigeria.
Retired Olympians and coaches also offered experiences of leadership, strategic thinking, and technical skills to drive athletes and sports teams to success, a point reinforced by Mr Stanley Mutoya (AUSC, Region 5) in strategies he presented for a sustainable elite performance in Africa.
Above all, the Conference recognized sports as a social and economic driver. It reaffirmed its core values of respect, integrity, teamwork, and community engagement, while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
It ended with the official launch of a targeting PE Teachers and schools around Kenya, to champion the implementation of the Physical Education and Sport Policy for Basic Education of Kenya adopted in June 2021.
I stand here as a testimony of what sport can achieve for an athlete and for a country. (…) However, today, sport is no longer just about taking a pair of shoes and running. It includes research and modern technology. (…) Education is key to everything. I am so passionate about connecting education and sports. That lies squarely with the Kenya Academy of Sports.
Sport is a key tool to unlock a holistic approach to 21st-century skills development
Talanta Hela is about detection, nurturing and monetization of sports talents and supports the bottom-up approach called upon by the President of the Republic. Kenya Academy of Sports is championing this initiative.
UNESCO remain committed to promoting Quality Physical Education, consistently with our International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport, all blended through our new Fit for Life Initiative.
