Grassroots Sport Diplomacy

The relationship between diplomacy and sport may, at first glance, seem obvious and even familiar – but Grassroots Sport Diplomacy is a unique concept being explored by ISCA and our partners from the grassroots sport and physical activity sector.

Diplomatic actions may be evident at the elite sport level, with nations marching together at Olympic Games and “ping pong diplomacy” grabbing headlines worldwide. But what about the diplomatic gestures, people-to-people dialogue, partnerships and cross-border exchanges that happen in mass participation sport at the grassroots every week, away from the media spotlight?

Grassroots sport encompasses millions of people regardless of their gender, age, physical ability and ethnic background. And this aspect of sport is often overlooked. There are of course still barriers to participation in all countries – and this is where the exchange of ideas and good practices among grassroots sport organisations across local, national and international borders can be powerful. The soft power of these exchanges opens more doors for people to participate and ultimately lead to more inclusion in sport and physical activity, while promoting international diplomatic relations and wider policy objectives. Discover more.