UNICEF and sports
Supporting vulnerable children through sports
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UNICEF in Belarus has been developing cooperation with sports organizations since 2018:
- to promote and protect the rights of the child in sports;
- to develop responsible parenthood;
- to strengthen the understanding that sports are not only medals and achievements, but physical activity and outdoor games for every child, regardless of her/his particularities.
Sports are a good way to promote inclusion in society and to prevent violence and bullying.
Key dimensions of cooperation between UNICEF and sports organizations
Protecting the interests of children involved in sports
We work to ensure that sports are an accessible and safe activity for children helping them develop. In cooperation with sports organizations, we implement international principles for the protection of children in sports and work to prevent violence, bullying, excessive physical exertion, and corporal punishment of children in sports.
Development of inclusion
We are convinced that absolutely every child can go in for sports, regardless of her/his physical or financial capabilities. Whether it is a child with special needs or in a difficult life situation, s/he can find sports activities for her/himself. Sports erase barriers between children, help children develop and communicate. Together with our sports partners, we are working to increase the accessibility of sports for children with disabilities and to eliminate gender stereotypes.
Promoting responsible parenthood
We support the idea of responsible parenthood and — together with our partners — we carry out awareness raising and educational work among parents. We promote the idea that mothers and fathers should be an example for their children in matters of sports and a healthy lifestyle, so that as often as possible, families will actively spend time together and go in for sports. We tell parents that sports are an activity for pleasure, and there is no place for pressuring the child and for achieving sports goals at any cost (www.move4good.by).
