Authors: Dr Chih Hoong Sin
Organisation: UNESCO
Global data continues to show a strong link between grassroots sport participation and sustainable development. Current research on the social returns generated through sport shows that every $1 invested in a sporting intervention generates between $3 and $124 in value. Yet, sport remains underutilized and misunderstood as a domain of investment.
UNESCO’s Fit for Life sports initiative is making the case for multilateral sport funding through impact investment: a new model in which outcome measurement is prioritized to create social and economic return.
This report presents the case for impact investment in sport, which is relevant to a global array of budgetholders and financial markets. It covers the global momentum around these instruments, the cost of inaction, relevant case studies, and the adaptability and benefits of this model for different stakeholders. It also recommends key actions for sport authorities to grow the market for impact investment.
This report is a touchstone resource for any ministry, investor, or sport programme who believes in the impact of sport and wants to harness the potential of sport as an enabler of the SDGs.