Table of Contents
- 1. Olympism365 Innovation Hub Drives Social Change Through Sport
- 2. Funding Opportunities: Catalyzing Social Impact
- 3. Olympism365 Summit: A Global Gathering for Social Impact Through Sport
- 4. The Broader Impact
- 5. What innovative sport related project would you like too see funded through the Olympism365 Innovation Hub?
- 6. Olympism365: an Interview wiht Social Innovation Leader, Anya Sharma
The Olympism365 Innovation Hub is channeling investment into sporting initiatives worldwide, aiming to foster sustainable growth and address pressing global challenges. This initiative,a collaboration with organizations such as Beyond Sport and Women Win,supports more than 60 innovations using sport for sustainable development around the globe.
The Innovation Hub has launched four distinct funding streams designed to encourage innovative approaches to using sport as a vehicle for social change:
- Grassroots365: Supporting community-based sports programs.
- Enterprise365: Investing in sports-related social enterprises.
- Collective365: Fostering cross-sector collaborations for greater impact.
- Tech365: Promoting technology-driven solutions in the sports and development sector. According to the Olympism365 Innovation Hub Tech365 Funding Stream Details Guide, “Innova4ve, scalable solu4ons are required to drive crical social and environmental change.”
The Olympism365 Summit, scheduled for June 3-5, 2025, in Lausanne, Switzerland, will showcase the collective impact of over 500 sports and community initiatives actively contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable development Goals (SDGs).The summit aims to foster collaboration and explore co-investment opportunities.
This invitation-only event, organized by the IOC, will bring together representatives from the Olympic movement, United Nations agencies, development and financing institutions, civil society members, and non-profit organizations. Participants will engage in sharing best practices and exploring new avenues for collaborative investment.
The Olympism365 Summit: Sport at the service of a better world will present the collective impact of more than 500 sports and community initiatives which directly contribute to the sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
The Broader Impact
The Olympism365 initiative recognizes the critical role of sport in addressing complex global issues. As stated in the Olympism365 Innovation Hub Tech365 Funding Stream Information Guide, “The world faces complex and intersecng challenges, with only 15% of the United Naons Sustainable Development goals on track for delivery by 2030.” The Innovation Hub and the Summit serve as platforms for accelerating progress toward these goals through strategic investment and collaborative action.
By supporting innovative projects and convening key stakeholders, Olympism365 aims to unlock the transformative potential of sport. This includes fostering social inclusion, promoting health and well-being, and driving environmental sustainability.
Looking Ahead
The Olympism365 initiative represents a important step towards leveraging the power of sport for positive social change. As the world continues to grapple with complex challenges, the collaborative efforts fostered by the Innovation Hub and the Summit are essential for driving meaningful progress. Keep an eye on the outcomes of the Olympism365 Summit in June 2025 for potential insights in how sport can be used to make positive change, and consider how you can integrate it in your community.
Social innovation through sport is gaining momentum! We sat down with Anya Sharma, Executive Director of “GameChangers International,” a non-profit focused on leveraging sports for sustainable development, to discuss the Olympism365 Innovation Hub and its upcoming summit.
Archyde: Anya, welcome! Could you briefly explain the significance of the Olympism365 Innovation Hub in the current global landscape?
Anya Sharma: Thank you for having me! The Olympism365 Innovation Hub is incredibly vital. With the UN Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) lagging behind, the Hub channels much-needed investment and support into innovative sporting initiatives. It recognizes that sport isn’t just about competition; it’s a powerful tool for social change, addressing issues ranging from inequality to environmental concerns.
Archyde: GameChangers International has been working in this space for years. What, in your opinion, makes the Hub’s approach unique or particularly effective?
Anya Sharma: What I appreciate most is its multifaceted funding approach. The four streams – Grassroots365, Enterprise365, Collective365, and Tech365 – target different levels and types of organizations. This creates a holistic ecosystem of support. Such as, Tech365 is vital as technology can considerably amplify the impact of grassroots sports programs.
archyde: Let’s talk about Tech365. How can technology drive social change in sports, and what are some examples you’ve seen?
Anya Sharma: Technology can democratize access to sports through mobile applications; personalized training programs, and AI-powered coaching. It can also enhance data collection for impact measurement, ensuring programs are effective and accountable.I’ve seen examples of apps helping girls in developing countries access online fitness routines and mentorship, overcoming travel or safety barriers.
Archyde: The Olympism365 Summit in Lausanne sounds promising. What outcomes are you hoping to see from this gathering?
Anya Sharma: The Summit is crucial for fostering collaboration.I hope to see new partnerships forged between Olympic Movement representatives, UN agencies, and grassroots organizations. We need these cross-sector collaborations to drive collective impact – sharing best practices and co-investing in promising projects.
Archyde: What are the biggest challenges facing organizations trying to use sports for social good?
anya Sharma: Funding is always a challenge, but beyond that, it’s about scaling impact sustainably. Many fantastic local initiatives struggle to expand their reach or demonstrate long-term effectiveness. Building robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, creating strong community ownership, and ensuring programs are culturally relevant are essential.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what role do you see initiatives like Olympism365 playing in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development goals (SDGs)?
Anya Sharma: Olympism365 offers a powerful platform to accelerate progress. It can serve as a catalyst, connecting resources, expertise, and innovative ideas. The key is ensuring that the momentum generated is sustained and that the impact is measurable and scalable. By leveraging the global appeal of sport, Olympism365 has the potential to inspire and empower communities globally.
Archyde: Anya, what is one thing you think our readers should consider when thinking about integrating sport into social impact efforts in their own communities?
Anya Sharma: Think local. What are the specific needs and challenges in your community? How can sport be used to address those needs in a culturally relevant and sustainable way? Sometimes, the simplest ideas can have the biggest impact. Find a local sports organization already doing great work and find a way to support them.
What innovative sport related project would you like to see funded through the Olympism365 Innovation hub? Share your thoughts, we are happy to read and contribute to the global conversation around sport and social good!
