SPORT IN SOCIETY TO PARTICIPATE IN UNICEF SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT MEETING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kevin Matthews
617-373-4256
[email protected]

Boston, MA, January 31, 2005 - Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society has been invited by UNICEF to be one of a select group of 20 organizations worldwide to participate in a three-day sport for development symposium. This meeting with international leaders will examine the effectiveness of using sport to improve the developing minds and bodies of children throughout the world.

The symposium, which will take place at UNICEF House in New York City on January 31 through February 2, 2005, allows Sport in Society to share its 20 years of experience in utilizing sport as a vehicle for change. The goals of the meeting will be: 1) Increase shared understanding of what is the ‘state of the art’ in monitoring and evaluation of sports in development programs; 2) Identify and develop models to address HIV/AIDS, social inclusion and violence prevention and; 3) Identify areas for further research and potential collaboration.

UNICEF now incorporates the power and potential of sport, recreation and play into its work in countries around the world, developing partnerships with governments, sports teams and other organizations and institutions to get children of all ages on to the sports fields and playgrounds, and educating them about the benefits of physical activity.

On November 5, 2004, the United Nations named 2005 as the International Year of Sport and Recreation declaring the power of sport a good vehicle for promoting education, health, development and peace.

“Sport in Society has a long history of utilizing sport to create positive social change,” said Jeff O’Brien, Senior Associate Director of Programs at Sport in Society. “We look at this meeting as a unique opportunity to synergize our efforts with these other world leaders. We are thrilled to participate and excited about the potential ripples this meeting can have for children around the world.”

Also participating in the meeting are organizations such as the Norwegian Confederation of Sport, UK Sport, Swiss Academy for Development, Right to Play, Commonwealth Games, the Institute for Sport Research at the University of Johannesburg, the Women’s Sports Foundation (USA), the Fédéracion Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and UNICEF representatives from countries such as Brazil, Georgia, Guinea, Rwanda and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Click here to go to the UNICEF Sports for Development website

About The Center for the Study of Sport in Society
The mission of Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society is to increase awareness of sport and its relation to society, and to develop programs that identify problems, offer solutions and promote the benefits of sport. Sport in Society is committed to the idea that the sports community can, and should, take a lead role in bringing about positive social change. Sport in Society employs the unique power and influence of sport to create positive social change. Sport in Society impacts middle school and high school students, college student-athletes, professional athletes and adult administrators. Sport in Society's dedicated staff of current and former professional and collegiate athletes serve as trainers and change agents in society.