Instead of sharing an impact story, we are reaching out with an urgent call for your voice. We are deeply concerned by the recent policy brief from Minister Klever, which completely eliminates funding for sports in development cooperation. To see such an effective and cost-efficient tool dismissed without evaluation leaves us in disbelief.
Despite its modest budget of just €1.5 million per year, this cut disregards the impact that sports have in improving health, fostering stability, and driving economic development:
Sports as an effective policy instrument
Health & resilience: Sports contribute to disease prevention, mental well-being an active lifestyle and reducing pressure on healthcare systems in vulnerable regions.
Youth development & economic growth: Sports equip young people with essential skills, creating employment opportunities and reducing migration out of necessity. In Senegal, sports programs have led to a 30% increase in vocational training completions. In Uganda, sports have facilitated the reintegration of former child soldiers.
Local ownership & cooperation: Sports initiatives align with Dutch policy priorities by fostering self-reliance and strengthening local partnerships.
Strategic & economic value: Sports play a key role in Dutch trade missions, strengthening diplomatic ties and unlocking new markets
A missed opportunity
By removing sports from the development agenda, the Netherlands not only loses an effective tool for social impact but also a strategic instrument for international cooperation and economic growth. Sport for Development reached more than 200,000 young people in developing countries in the past five years alone. This success is the result of decades of cooperation and investment. To cut funding overnight not only eliminates the opportunity to transfer programs to local organizations but also wastes years of effort and Dutch government investment.
We urge the minister to reconsider this decision. Read our full response and support our call here: link to full statement. Your support matters! Share this message and make your voice heard.
