This has also been understood by the United Nations (UN), who argue that through the promotion of sport in all regions of the world, it is possible to contribute to the fulfillment of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) established in the 2030 Agenda . It is an action plan launched in 2015 that seeks to guarantee and generate better political, economic and social practices in favor of humanity and its future.
Playing sports brings multiple benefits, including better physical and mental health. By exercising, our body develops strength, agility and dexterity, which reduces the risks of suffering from heart problems, often linked to a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. In addition, it fights the onset of non-transmissible diseases such as diabetes.
Regarding mental health, sport generates the release of hormones, such as dopamine or endorphin, which improve our mood and reduce anxiety and stress levels in the body. (SDG 3)
In addition to the above, it is important to maintain an adequate and balanced diet, since it is necessary to spend more energy when doing sports so as not to suffer abrupt changes in the body that may affect our health. This situation raises awareness about safe eating and food waste. (SDG 3 and 2)
On the other hand, sport is a tool for inclusion and active participation. Many people such as immigrants, refugees, or with disabilities seek through sports a way to integrate into the community. Likewise, within diversity and social inclusion, instances of empowerment and leadership are generated that help to break down barriers imposed by society, such as machismo and racial discrimination. (SDG 5 and 10)
Along the same lines, sport is key to quality education, since its practice encourages leadership and better performance in educational tasks. In addition, it teaches values such as respect, teamwork and camaraderie, promoting a more harmonious and peaceful environment. This also helps reduce levels of violence, which promotes unity and social cohesion. (SDG 4 and 16)
Regarding economic development, the massive practice of sport generates projects for the construction of more venues, indoors or outdoors, that build a legacy for the communities and are sustainable over time. (SDG 7, 9 and 11). This also encourages the creation of quality jobs, which are guided by the values of respect and cooperation. (SDG 1 and 8)
Sports venues have clean water that generates a degree of awareness about its importance, both for personal hygiene, sanitation of the space and for personal consumption when practicing sports. (SDG 6)
In addition, water is one of the resources with the greatest deficit in the world, so many of the water sports could be harmed in the future. The same happens with other disciplines that are practiced with the help of nature, such as snow sports. For the same reason, it is that sport helps to make visible the impact that the climate crisis has on the preservation of the environment and to raise awareness about the importance of our ecosystems. (SDG 13,14 and 15)
Finally, sport can improve awareness of sustainable lifestyles, impacting on a better quality of life for both individuals and their communities (SDG 12 and 17). It is the latter who have the power to create alliances that promote the development of sports organizations, in order to contribute both on and off the field.