Diversity and inclusion in sport 

Inclusion, reflected in the Olympic and Paralympic Charters, and the International Convention for Human Rights, refers to the ability of everyone, regardless of gender, race, age, culture, sexual orientation or ability, to participate in sporting activities.

Sport reflects the full diversity of humanity and builds more connected communities of people with stronger friendships, enhanced self-esteem, greater mental resilience, and higher levels of physical health and sporting activity. Inclusion is embodied through proactive behaviours that make people from all backgrounds and abilities feel welcomed, valued and respected.  

A Sports Diplomacy approach to diversity and inclusion embodies low-cost, low-risk and high profile partners, projects and people from all over the world. It emphasises no boundaries to competing in sport, builds resilient multicultural, multi-gendered, and multi-ability international societies, and uses the power of sport to normalise diversity. More inclusive communities built via sport, in turn, generate economic, educational, diplomatic and social benefits.  

Diversity and inclusion: Distinct but vital in sport and society 

While diversity and inclusion are often used as interchangeable terms, they are in fact distinct.  

Diversity refers to the rich and varied characteristics among people in any given community. Such characteristics can include gender, age, religion, culture, nationality and ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Inclusion, meanwhile, refers to taking action to remove barriers to participation that may exist for people, regardless of their personal characteristics. These barriers can include a person’s level of income, language, accessibility, or culture. 

Diversity and inclusion is imperative in modern sport. However, both require proactive behaviour based on strategic planning, participation control, and integral leadership across all stakeholders. That’s where the Sports Diplomacy Alliance (the Alliance) comes in.

What groups can benefit from greater diversity and inclusion in sport? 

Sportswomen and non-gendered athletes 

Sportswomen and non-gendered athletes are well-placed to take a lead in the mission for greater diversity and inclusion. But how can athletes and sporting bodies unlock this power and bring people together? What best international practises exist, and what can be learned from them? How, working together, do we create sustainable, diverse and inclusive teams on a global scale? The Alliance works with women and non-gendered people, seeks to build greater inclusion in sport, and educates old and new stakeholders on gender diversity beyond the field.

People with disabilities 

Accessibility to sport is a human right, yet there is so much room for sport and society to improve. Millions of people live with a disability. How might sporting organisations improve accessibility across their multi-layered and complex ecosystems? Many athletes, and the organisations behind them, are role models in promoting inclusivity but lack the strategic expertise to develop a plan to move the dial. The Alliance wants to change the game and team up with progressive partners to identify and remove barriers.  

Older people 

Sport is a powerful vehicle for health longevity by ensuring the inclusion of ageing people. With isolation and mobility a barrier for the ageing community, sport can promote healthier minds, bodies and souls for our older sports friends. Each has different needs, so how might ageing people and communities be better engaged, listened to and consulted? The Alliance works in conjunction with sporting bodies, the health sector, corporate sponsors, and government organisations interested in changing the game for our older, wiser sporting fans.

People from different cultures 

Differences between cultures can be bridged and stronger communities built through sport. Regardless of race, gender, language, history, or religion, sport is a universal language that transcends the barriers others erect. People from foreign backgrounds, particularly refugees and other disenfranchised groups, can benefit from the empowerment and inclusion possible through sport. The Alliance believes that strength comes from diversity. We create and manage winning teams,projects and partnerships. Each ensures that socio-economic, religious, and cultural barriers are addressed as part of strategies aimed building richer, stronger communities.  

The LGBTQ+ community 

Traditionally sport has been misappropriated to support limiting social stereotypes around sexual orientation. However, this can be reversed to make sport a platform for the greater inclusion of all participants. What role do the players have in working with those in power to drive real change? The Alliance has the expertise and contact networks to develop strategies promoting an acceptance of diversity and ensure everyone is equal on the field of play.