UNESCO launches Sport Education flagship campaign "Fit for Life"

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, will launch a new Sport Education flagship campaign “Fit for Life” on 15 November during their General Conference at its headquarters in Paris. As part of UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Programme, this initiative aims to enhance the wellbeing, empowerment and rounded development of young people in schools, universities and communities around the world. It has been designed to respond to intersecting crises in physical inactivity, mental health and inequality which have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Powered by a global alliance of partners, the project has five interlinked objectives:

• increase grassroots participation in sport and quality PE to reduce inactivity and chronic disease (physical and mental);
• support the development of quality and inclusive sport policies which drive health, education and equality outcomes;
• use values education through sport to empower young people, promote equality and build socio-emotional resilience;
• support teachers and coaches to deliver quality, student-centred sport education curricula; and
• build evidence to support targeted investments in sport as an accelerator of COVID-19 recovery.

In order to raise awareness of the campaign, UNESCO initiated a Fit for Life Photo contest for young photographers. The contest is an opportunity for young people around the world to submit entries which illustrate the power and potential of sport as a driver of equality, empowerment, and inclusion.

Participation is open to anyone aged from 18 to 35 years old. Participants do not need to be professional photographers, just passionate about sport and the positive role it has played in their life or the lives of others in their community. Deadline for submissions is 30 November 2021. Click here to learn more.