Foster sport as a mechanism for holistic and inclusive humanitarian intervention

Members of the Think Tank often referred to the power and potential of sport to contribute to wider social outcomes and general health and well-being. Because different aspects of well-being were mentioned, the theme references holistic to encompass the variety of outcomes that can be achieved by sport programmes when they are appropriately designed and implemented. The negative effect sport can have on participants was also noted,14 as was the importance of mitigating risks in order to ensure positive outcomes. Providing an opportunity for positive engagement, provision of safe environments, fostering connections and relationships between host and displaced communities, and the contribution of sport to mental health and psychosocial outcomes were also noted as underused strategies in situations of forced displacement.

Adapt to—and draw on—cultural context

One of the most cited considerations from Think Tank members was the importance of the cultural context and including stakeholders from grassroots and community levels of the target population. Prioritising cultural sensitivity is critical, especially in the context of sports programmes targeting mental health and psychosocial outcomes. Considering the unique history, context and culture of the target community and avoiding ‘one-size-fits all’ approaches to sport promotion were particularly emphasised. Similarly, securing access by tackling the specific barriers to participation in contexts of forced displacement (such as legal status, movement restrictions, gender and inclusion, and safety issues in communities and families) is vital.

Establish sport structures, from grassroots organisations to policy

Organising sports programming appropriately, including clearly defined aims and objectives and adequate monitoring and evaluation practices, is needed. This must happen at all levels from grassroots organisations to policy. Relevant stakeholders include coaches and programme staff, sporting organisations and clubs, players and members of the target community. Ensuring local access to required resources to effectively implement sports programmes that maximise participation and not solely competition is needed to maximise reach and impact. Trusted adult role models who are appropriately trained to provide access to and facilitate safe sports programmes, as well as mentorship to youth, were also identified as a key consideration.

Build an evidence base through rigorous research

Generating and translating academic evidence into meaningful programmes and policies were identified as critical to realising the utility of sport in situations of forced displacement. Prioritising cost–benefit evaluations, connecting the various health and well-being outcomes in response to interventions, as well as successfully communicating research findings to affected communities, donors and the entire humanitarian sector were also recognised. Knowledge translation in the form of policy briefs and evidence reviews that identify the specific benefits of sport, for whom and in what specific context should be made accessible to communities, donors and programme coordinators across sectors. Embedding sport in existing broader health and social programmes was also recommended to meaningfully impact policy and practice. Identifying gaps in the evidence base and mobilising academic efforts through participatory methodology should also be prioritised.

Address microconnections, meso-connections and macro-connections

The importance of multilevel connections to facilitate effective programming, including practitioners at the grassroots level, youth and persons with lived experience, and policymakers, was consistently highlighted. Leveraging microconnections, meso-connections and macro-connections amplifies the impact of sport programmes for displaced populations. A diversity of voices in programme design and implementation—combining expertise by training with expertise by lived experience—was noted as important for policy, advocacy and practice influence.

Avoid potholes and navigate the road towards implementation

Negative outcomes associated with sport, including exploitation and abuse, restricted access to sporting infrastructure, limited opportunity to participate, social exclusion, negative aspects of competition, harassment and bullying, were identified as considerations in the planning and implementation of sport programmes in situations of forced displacement. In addition, given that women and girls are most likely to be exposed to adversity and increased risks in contexts of displacement,15 appropriate consideration of gender with regard to culturally sensitive sport and physical activity promotion is paramount.

These themes define a roadmap to address the opportunities and challenges for the promotion of sport for people living in contexts of forced displacement. While sport can impact a diverse range of outcomes in situations of forced displacement, sport can cause harm if not delivered in a planned and considered manner by people with appropriate training and support, rooted in local context. Sport is often considered a luxury in humanitarian settings as opposed to an integrated and evidence-based component of psychosocial programming, with the COVID-19 pandemic having underlined the vital importance of social connection and physical activity. The five themes identified define a roadmap for the merging of sport and mental health and psychosocial support. Through synthesing the available evidence base, developing programme guidance and planning tools, fostering engagement with youth and communities, the Think Tank will continue working towards realising the cross-cutting potential of sport in humanitarian and displacement contexts as part of a coordinated intersectoral, interdisciplinary and interagency approach. We anticipate that the aforementioned insights will inform efforts to ensure all people affected by displacement have equitable access to sport for health and well-being.