UNICEF's Sports for Development programme centres around the premise that sport can be a vital tool for the development of children in South Africa.

In 2010 South Africa will host the Soccer World Cup, and will benefit from the global attention attached to such a prestigious event. If people commit to campaigns such as the Sports for Development initiative, the children who are most in need of such attention will benefit too, leaving a lasting legacy for youngsters in South Africa.

Some 75% of children in South Africa survive on less than two US dollars per day. These children have no access to sporting facilities, and are exposed to greater risk of violence, drug abuse and learner pregnancy. These youngsters are most in need of focused development.

'Some 75% of children in South Africa survive on less than two US dollars per day. These children have no access to sporting facilities, and are exposed to greater risk of violence, drug abuse and learner pregnancy'


Sport can be credited with improving overall health and physical development, with improving mental abilities, with developing social skills and interactions, and allowing the child to have fun and challenge himself or herself. Sport could also change the perception of risk in terms of HIV/AIDS, drugs, alcohol and smoking.

Sport can cultivate community involvement in the growth and development of children; it can empower tomorrow’s women and can influence positive masculine behaviour to address such issues as gender-based violence.

Through gender-sensitive coaching, the introduction of recreational facilities and sport-oriented life skills, and encouraging community-based sporting events, UNICEF and its partners can achieve the much-needed development of child-friendly schools and communities.

This legacy can be taken beyond 2010, and expanded into a lifelong achievement. UNICEF has pledged to help 585 of the most disadvantaged schools in South Africa. Through providing sporting equipment and infrastructure to the school, and by providing training to staff and the community, the children most in need can benefit from the Sports for Development initiative.