'Sport and Development' refers to the use of sport as a tool for development, where sport is not considered an end in itself but rather a means to create social change. From a development perspective, sport is used to reach out to as many individuals as possible – emphasizing participation and inclusion rather than competition and selection. Furthermore, sport is generally understood in its broadest sense, including all sorts of physical activities that contribute to physical fitness, mental well-being and social interaction, such as play, recreation, organized sport and indigenous games and dances. The Sport and Development approach aims at contributing to sustainable human development, a concept that moves beyond the classic development paradigm of economic growth and rather puts people – as the principal actors and intended beneficiaries of development – at the center.
The right of access to and participation in sport and play has long been recognized in a number of international conventions. In 1978, UNESCO described sport and physical education as a "fundamental right for all." Similarly, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (adopted in 1989) recognized "the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts." This allows for sport, recreation and play to be considered not only as a necessary component of child and youth development (a 'needs'-based perspective) but also one in which these activities are considered entitlements (a 'rights'-based perspective).
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