The power of sport for social good is well recognised and when harnessed in the right way, can have a hugely positive impact on development goals including improving health, education and community cohesion. As a force for good, sport can convene people both on global and local scales and can be used to communicate important messages to a range of different audiences.
As the excitement of London 2012 fades, the spotlight has turned from medals tables and flashy finales to what kind of legacy will be left in its wake.
International Inspiration, the legacy programme of London 2012, is an example of how a major sporting event can be used to improve the lives of children and young people. Operating all over the world, the programme works in partnership with governments, NGOs and sporting organisations to give youngsters the opportunity to play sport as well as provide training for PE teachers and developing government policies on sport.
The supporters behind International Inspiration, including the Premier League and the Youth Sport Trust, illustrate how sporting organisations can successfully partner with development charities in a mutually beneficial way.
For a development NGO, the advantages of corporate cash is an obvious one but equally as valuable is the access to the global networks that many sporting organisations boast, not to mention the pool of resources and valuable technical expertise they can offer.
But what about the business case for sporting organisations? Along with the clear reputational benefits, employee engagement and the bolstering of its social license to operate are two other notable pluses. There is also the opportunity to create a talent pool for recruitment, as participants develop attractive leadership, communication and team skills whilst at the same time, creating more empowered and literate communities in the markets that the organisation's operate in.
Our live discussion, in association with Unicef, will tackle these issues, focusing on:
• The opportunity that major sporting events have to create brighter futures for children and young people
• The business case for sporting organisations to partner with development organisations
• The nature and power of sport and sporting personalities as a development tool to reach disadvantaged children and young people
Join us on Thursday 27 September, 2 - 4pm (BST) for this online discussion exploring the relationship between sporting and development organisations.
The panel
Tom Burstow, head of international inspiration, UNICEF UK
Jon Long, head of executive programmes, ICC
John Shiels, chief executive, Manchester United Foundation
Ned Wills, director, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
Tim Vine, head of public affairs, Premier League
Simon White, managing director at Momentum UK
If you would like to debate the topic with our cross sector panel of experts, ask a question in the comments section below or alternatively you can tweet us your thoughts and we'll be sure to include them in the discussion.
This content is brought to you by Guardian Sustainable Business in association with UNICEF. Produced by Guardian Business and Professional to a brief agreed with UNICEF. Paid for by UNICEF. All editorial controlled and overseen by the Guardian.
