Sport, recreation and play are a fun way to learn about teamwork, fair play and discipline, as well as facing challenges, which we can use in other aspects of our life.

There are rules that everyone has to stick to, and penalties if you break them.  Learning this can help young people stand up for their rights.

Sport is great for girls because it can teach them leadership skills, as well as show others how capable they are.  It is also a good way to involve children who are often left out, like orphans, children with disabilities, former child soldiers and refugee children.

Sport, recreation and play are being used to promote good health, encourage girls’ education, create child-friendly spaces and warn about the harmful effects of smoking, alcohol and drug abuse.

What can children learn through sport and games?

Toddlers learn to discover the world through their hands and feet and to explore through games.  Children learn about how to think logically, taking turns, sharing, respecting and valuing rules.

Sport during emergencies

When there is war or a natural disaster has turned a child’s life upside down, taking part in sport is a great way for them to do something normal, have fun, express themselves and feel more confident. 

Being part of a team helps children to feel that they belong and others are on their side, despite any stress in their lives.  Children who used to be child soldiers benefit from teamwork because it helps them to settle back into their communities again.  Being active also releases stress and tension.

Sports for girls

Sport can be used to raise girls’ confidence which can also help them do better at school.  It helps girls to get respect from others.

Here is the story of how sport helped a local girl in Kenya called Mwanamisi Ali, aged 19:
“I left school at the age of 15 soon after my father died.  For the last four years I have supported my family by doing tailoring at home.  Leaving school left me isolated from my friends.  Football changed that.

“During after-practice discussions with my friends and coach, I have learned more about HIV and AIDS and how to handle boys.  Before joining my football team, I had no information about HIV and AIDS.

“I like that football keeps me fit, that my family comes to cheer for me, and that travelling to different areas has also helped me to know the community.  Before, people didn’t believe that girls could play football but now they appreciate it.”

From UNICEF’s publication, Sport, Recreation and Play

Sport to protect young people

People, especially young people, can be taught how to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS during practices, through coaching sessions, during events and at half-times.  It can be done through teachers, coaches, and other team members.  They may be more likely to listen to their coach or other members of their team than their teachers in a classroom.

In Honduras, there is a programme called Football for Life in which older teenagers volunteer as role models for younger football players.  Saturday afternoon matches are followed by a skit, discussion or event about the dangers of HIV and AIDS.  Children also learn about the downside to leaving school and the risks of joining a gang.

Reaching all children

Sport is a way of including all children.  When young people are playing together, it doesn't matter what colour or religion they are, how rich they are or whether they are orphans.

A programme in Malaysia for children called Football for All is run by UNICEF and the government.  It provides children with visual, hearing and mental impairment the opportunity to play football in a supportive environment.  Football leagues have been formed at primary and secondary schools for boys and girls with disabilities, encouraging disabled children to take part in Malaysia’s national paralympic teams.

What does UNICEF do for sports and recreation?

UNICEF supplies recreation kits which are each filled with toys and games to help heal 40 children whose lives have been disrupted by war or natural disasters.

Inside the kit you will find:

Several types of balls
Skipping ropes
Coloured tunics
Chalk
A measuring tape
A whistle
A scoring slate
Instruments (tambourines, rattles, drums)
Dance costumes

UNICEF-FIFA alliance

UNICEF has sport programmes in over 70 countries that are supported by FIFA.

Olympics

The Special Olympics Committee and UNICEF have a developed a partnership dedicated to changing negative attitudes towards children with disabilities. They are working to empower children with disabilities and their families and seeking inclusion.

One initiative to come from this partnership is Special Olympics Unified Sport in Romania. This establishes sports teams with even numbers of athletes with and without disabilities. Participants learn new sports and experience meaningful inclusion with the chance to socialise with peers and form friendships.

UNICEF also has other sports projects around the world to raise awareness of issues that affect young people today.