Conclusions of 7th World Conference on Youth, Education and Sport

The full report from the conference is HERE. The following are the points that seem the most pertinent to us:

6. Observatory and data base for education and development

a. The Conference noted, with concern, that there were several good projects, especially being undertaken by NGOs in developing countries, aimed at educating young people in and through sport, but that they were unrelated to each other. These could, however, be more effective if knowledge and best practices were shared. Most such projects were donor-funded and driven, and were designed for, and applied to, economically challenged communities, especially in developing countries.

b. The Conference recommends that the IOC seek the collaboration of other partners in order to establish a web-based Observatory in which a data base of sports education, sports and culture, and all such initiatives could be made available to all. Such a data base can also be an ideal platform for sharing best practices, exchanging information and ensuring that resources are not applied unequally.

7. Educational programmes of the Organising Committees of the Olympic Games

a. The Conference acknowledges the tremendous effort that has been made by past and present Organising Committees for the Olympic Games, at the urging of the IOC, to create education and culture programmes for their populations, in particular. However, while many resources are expended in these exercises, the Conference notes, with concern, that, with a few exceptions, the programmes have tended to end with the related Olympic Games.

b. The Conference recommends that the IOC ensure that, as part of the country’s legacy for hosting the Olympic Games, the culture and education programmes should be continued. Cities that host the Games should undertake to continue their education and culture programmes. These programmes should be available to the Olympic Movement as a whole and, where possible, shared.

8. Anti-doping, drug abuse and related education

a. The Conference acknowledges the efforts that are being made by the Olympic Movement, especially by the International Federations, UNESCO and the World Anti-Doping Association to educate athletes and young people in particular, as well as the community in general, on the dangers of doping. It also acknowledges the efforts made by UNESCO to ensure that all the world’s nations ratify the Convention of State Parties Against Doping and Sport. It urges countries that are yet to ratify the Convention to do so, and opines that the signing of the Convention should not be considered as an end unto itself.

b. The Conference recommends that further efforts be made to educate young people on the dangers of so-called “social” drugs and on other risky behaviour.