Welcome to the April edition of the Sport for Development newsletter.
On this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, we join the global community in recognizing the incredible role sport plays in advancing peace and sustainable development worldwide.
Sports can break down barriers, build bridges across cultures, and create safe spaces for growth and connection. Today, we highlight the inspiring story of Wisdom Reuben, a young Nigerian in Egypt, who is using basketball to bring refugee children together through the “We Got Game” program, proving that sport can be a powerful tool for healing, unity, and hope.
One pass, one play, one person at a time.
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Celebrating sport as a force for inclusion and change!
Each year on April 6, the world celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace a day that recognizes the power of sport to encourage inclusion, promote tolerance and bridge cultural divides. This year’s theme, “Leveling the Playing Field: Sport for Social Inclusion,” highlights how sport can challenge stereotypes and create equal opportunities for all. In line with this day, we’re excited to share the following Impact story.
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From prejudice to purpose:
Wisdom’s journey through sport
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Wisdom Reuben, a 23-year-old Nigerian student living in Egypt, joined the ISA We Got Game programme and was trained as an ISA Youth Coach. While balancing his studies and part-time work, he now mentors refugee children through basketball, growing not only as a leader, but as a role model in his community.
His transformation became evident when he began connecting with South Sudanese refugees, a group he initially felt disconnected from. Through ISA’s programmes, Wisdom didn’t just learn to coach—he learned to challenge his own assumptions.
“Joining the programme helped me understand that some of these kids actually have dreams. At first, I thought they weren’t interested or capable, but when you play one-on-one with them, you see that they’re pushing themselves in ways I hadn’t even considered for myself. That changed my whole perspective,” Wisdom shares.
What once felt like distance has turned into empathy. He now actively engages with refugee youth, breaking down cultural barriers and fostering mutual respect.
“Before this, I would think, ‘just stay away from the South Sudanese.’ But now, I feel like I have to get involved. ISA gave me the boldness to speak with them, both inside and outside the programme.”
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Through this experience, sports have become more than just a game for Wisdom, they’ve become a tool for healing and growth.
“Sports, for me, is like therapy. Whenever I’m mad, frustrated or overwhelmed, basketball helps me let go. In that moment, I focus entirely on the game, and everything else, schoolwork, stress fades away” he explains.
Beyond emotional resilience, Wisdom has grown socially. He now speaks confidently in group settings, connects with others more easily, and steps outside of his comfort zone. He describes himself as having gone from being an “inside person” to someone more balanced, open, and self-assured.
“One of the lasting changes that’s always going to stay with me is my confidence”
Wisdom’s journey reflects the power of sport to reduce inequalities (SDG 10), promote peace and inclusion (SDG 16), and support mental well-being (SDG 3). Through teamwork, discipline, and leadership, he also contributes to quality education (SDG 4), not only for himself, but for the young people he coaches.
Looking ahead, Wisdom continues to inspire, as a youth coach, a role model, and an advocate for inclusion, fostering connection and respect through the simple, powerful act of playing together.
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International Sports Alliance (ISA)
Wisdom’s story comes from our partner organization International Sports Alliance (ISA), a key player in the Sport for Development program. ISA believes that young people, when supported in the right way, have the power to transform both their own futures and their communities. By offering safe spaces, life skills, and leadership training on the sports field, ISA empowers youth in underserved communities across Africa, the MENA region, and Europe. Their approach is grounded in the 6 Cs of Positive Youth Development: Confidence, Connection, Competence, Character, Caring, and Contributing.
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Sport for Development Program
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Sport for Development empowers youth to create lasting change in their communities through the power of sports and play. Funded by the Dutch government, this program has, for over 20 years, contributed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting health, inclusion, education, gender equality, and economic opportunity for young people across six global regions.
Implemented through a strong collaboration between the International Sports Alliance (ISA), Right To Play (RTP), the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), and the Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB), the program has reached more than 200,000 youth over the past five years. It builds safe spaces where youth gain life skills, access to education, and opportunities for employment and leadership—particularly in underserved communities.
As mentioned earlier, we are deeply concerned by the proposed elimination of funding for sport. Read our full response and support our call here
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Despite its modest annual budget of just €1.5 million, Sport for Development delivers substantial results. Sports strengthen mental health, boost resilience, support youth employment, and enhance cooperation with local and international partners.
It's also a strategic tool that aligns with Dutch development priorities and enhances diplomatic and economic ties abroad. By removing sport from the agenda, the Netherlands risks losing an effective policy instrument and undermining years of investment and collaboration. We believe sport must remain a core element of development cooperation, now and in the future.
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PARTNERS
SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT
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