The project tries to address two existing problems in the 3 partner countries involved (Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia): 1. Growing chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a huge global health problem in low- and middle-income countries. The magnitude of the rise of NCDs is particularly visible in Southeast Asia where limited resources have been used to address this rising epidemic. 2. Around the world, young people need free time, space and fellowship to enjoy sport and play. While the need for the activities of sport are global in scope, the ability to be included often is not. Sport can provide a way to break down barriers and promote inclusion of students at different level of education (higher, vocational, secondary and primary) who are often left on the sidelines. Full participation in sport activities can benefit people who are usually excluded in two ways:1. By changing community perceptions of the capability of different groups: Through sport, participants – regardless of gender, ability or background – can come together in a positive context (sometimes for the first time) and see each other accomplish things they had previously thought impossible. This helps reduce stigma and discrimination and changes the attitude of gatekeepers who have the power to permit or deny children the right to take part in physical activity.2. By changing participant’s perceptions of themselves and their abilities: Sport empowers people to recognize their own potential and advocate for changes in society to enable them to fully realize that potential.Thus the project attempts to create interdisciplinary curriculum on sport management, sport nutrition and physical education while also providing short courses for professional coaches, trainers, sport clubs and organisations that want to learn how to use sport and physical education for inclusion.The project will also create SPIRIT student clubs to promote SPIRIT activities across schools and local communities
The project aims to enhance sport and physical activity’s role in promoting individual and societal well-being, beyond competition. It targets vulnerable groups, women, and students with special needs in India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Objectives include gathering best practices in inclusive sport, developing curricula on inclusion and healthy lifestyles, establishing lifelong learning (LLL) programs, creating guidelines for inclusive universities, and forming networks for inclusive education.
The project addresses two issues in Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia: Rising NCDS, particularly Southeast Asia, where resources are scarce. The need for inclusive sports activities for young people. Sport can break down barriers, promote inclusion, and alter perceptions of different groups and individuals. The project aims to develop interdisciplinary curricula on sport management, nutrition, and physical education, provide courses for professionals, and create SPIRIT clubs to enhance inclusion.
<< Background >> The project addresses two issues in Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia: Rising NCDS, particularly Southeast Asia, where resources are scarce. The need for inclusive sports activities for young people. Sport can break down barriers, promote inclusion, and alter perceptions of different groups and individuals. The project aims to develop interdisciplinary curricula on sport management, nutrition, and physical education, provide courses for professionals, and create SPIRIT clubs to enhance inclusion. << Objectives >> The project aims to enhance sport and physical activity’s role in promoting individual and societal well-being, beyond competition. It targets vulnerable groups, women, and students with special needs in India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Objectives include gathering best practices in inclusive sport, developing curricula on inclusion and healthy lifestyles, establishing lifelong learning (LLL) programs, creating guidelines for inclusive universities, and forming networks for inclusive education. << Implementation >> The project began on January 15, 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The consortium adapted to a virtual model, holding monthly meetings to track progress and implement key guidelines, including management and quality control plans. Despite pandemic restrictions, virtual training and workshops were conducted. As conditions improved, in-person sessions resumed, courses were developed, and dissemination activities continued. The project concluded with a financial management meeting in June 2024 << Results >> A total of 33 courses (25 new, 8 updated and 132 ECTs) and 8 LLL courses (24 ECTs) were developed and piloted. A total of 442 participants were trained. Among them were 196 students (144 female, 82 male) and 246 faculty members (116 female, 130 male). The SPIRIT project has played a crucial role in raising awareness about the benefits of physical activity and healthy lifestyles, addressing the rising epidemic of NCDs in the partner countries.