On March 6, Prof. Marc Theeboom, a distinguished sports sociology scholar from Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB), Belgium, delivered an inspiring lecture titled Beyond Competition: An Introduction to Sport for Development (SFD) at Shanghai University of Political Science and Law (SHUPL).
Hosted by Prof. Jiang Xi of SHUPL, the lecture attracted over 80 participants, including faculty, students, and Prof. Ouyang Meihe, Director of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange. Combining theoretical insights with real-world case studies, the session highlighted the role of sports in fostering global education and sustainable, harmonious social governance.
Prof. Theeboom opened his lecture by analyzing EU sports policies, positioning sports as a driver for sustainable development. He referenced key frameworks such as Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and the EU Work Plan for Sport 2024-2027, emphasizing sports’ unique potential to advance social inclusion, gender equality, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the lens of Sport for Development (SFD), he outlined a three-tier approach—from grassroots participation to individual empowerment and societal transformation—while addressing challenges in SFD implementation.
Illustrative case studies, including Europe’s Coach + program (enhancing employability through sports) and Belgium’s How to Become a Court Legend initiative (leveraging football to strengthen community bonds), showcased sports as a versatile tool for social progress. Attendees engaged actively during the Q&A, discussing topics like Sports’ Social Value in the Digital Age and Policy Strategies for Government Support, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.
