“Development of Sports and Sports for Development” 

Seems the new minister for Sports and Development is been misguided.

Great minds in the house, reading the few lines on the new minister of Sports and development administration focusing on twofold (development of sports and sports for development). However, the explanation in the post focused on talent identification and sports business, which is different from the two-fold focus headline. We can not afford to be misled this time around. For me, what happened to sport for all in Nigeria? I have explained the meaning of the minister’s headline focus compared to his intention and explanation.
The terms “Development of Sports” and “Sports for Development” may sound similar, but they refer to different aspects of the sports world with distinct objectives and outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between these two concepts:

• Development of Sports:
  • Focus: The “Development of Sports” primarily centres on improving, growing, and advancing sports as a discipline or industry. It pertains to the development of athletes, sports infrastructure, coaching methods, and sports-related businesses.
  • Objectives: The main goal of sports development is to enhance the quality and competitiveness of sports within a particular region or country. This includes producing elite athletes, hosting high-level sporting events, and bolstering the sports industry.
  • Key Components: Key components of sports development include athlete training and talent identification, sports facility construction and maintenance, coaching education, and the promotion of sports as a source of entertainment and revenue.
  • Examples: Developing a strong youth sports program, upgrading sports facilities, and investing in sports science research are sports development initiatives.
• Sports for Development:
  • Focus: “Sports for Development” uses sports to achieve broader societal and developmental objectives. It leverages the power of sports to address social issues, promote positive behaviours, and improve the lives of individuals and communities.
  • Objectives: The primary objectives of sports for development programs are social inclusion, community development, health promotion, education, and fostering values such as teamwork, respect, and discipline. These programs aim to bring about positive social change.
• • Key Components: Key components of sports for development include using sports to address specific social challenges (e.g., promoting health through sports clinics or using sports to empower marginalised communities), emphasising personal and social development through sports, and utilising sports as a tool for education and awareness.
• • Examples: Sports for development initiatives include using sports to teach life skills to at-risk youth, organising sports programs to improve public health in underserved communities, and promoting gender equality and social cohesion in conflict-affected regions.
• In summary, while “development of sports” and “sports for development” involve sports-related activities, the former is primarily concerned with enhancing the sports industry and competitive sports. At the same time, the latter uses sports to achieve broader social, educational, and developmental goals. Both concepts play essential roles in harnessing the potential of sports for the benefit of individuals and society. We must ask the right questions to get the correct answers.
• by Mr. Monday Ozoya
  Director UK Zonal Coordinator and General Grassroot Football Counselor.