By SayPro Chief Research Officer- Patricia Tsebe
6 April 2025
Good morning, colleagues, partners, young leaders, and friends,
I am honoured to speak to you today on the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace—a day that not only celebrates physical activity, but reminds us that sport can be a catalyst for data-driven development, peace, and measurable change.
As SayPro’s Chief Research Officer, my role is to ensure that behind every programme, every policy, and every community initiative, there is evidence—evidence that sport works, and evidence that peace is possible.
Why Evidence Matters
At SayPro, we don’t just believe in the power of sport—we measure it. We study how sport impacts school retention, gender equality, mental health, social cohesion, and even economic mobility.
Our data shows us that a young girl in a sports mentorship programme is three times more likely to stay in school. That young boys who participate in team sports are significantly less likely to engage in violence or substance abuse. And that communities with inclusive sports initiatives report higher levels of trust and cooperation.
These are not just stories. These are statistics. These are indicators of real social transformation.
Research for Peace and Inclusion
Sport helps us break silos—not just between people, but across sectors. It connects education to health, community development to safety, and recreation to economic empowerment.
Through SayPro’s Research & Learning Division, we’ve launched multiple studies across 10 regions, monitoring the effects of our Sport & Development Programme. With over 25,000 youth reached in 2025, we are proud to say that sport is proving to be one of the most cost-effective and scalable tools for positive change.
But our work is far from over. There is still much to learn—about access, sustainability, and inclusion, especially for girls, persons with disabilities, and rural youth. And it is only through honest evaluation and collaboration that we will continue to improve.
A Call to Action for Evidence-Based Investment
To our government partners, funders, and educators:
Let us build policies rooted in research, not rhetoric.
Let us fund initiatives that are proven to work, that deliver long-term benefits for peace and progress.
And to our young people:
You are not just players—you are part of a movement. Every pass, every jump, every goal is data in motion—a powerful act that contributes to our understanding of what builds peace.
In Closing
At SayPro, we say this with confidence:
Sport is not just a game. It is a development strategy. A peacebuilding mechanism. And a research opportunity that has the power to shape nations.
As Chief Research Officer, I pledge that SayPro will continue to build knowledge, generate impact data, and share insights to inform global best practices—because a peaceful future must be designed with intention and driven by evidence.
Thank you for being part of this day, this movement, and this mission.
Ke a leboha. Ngiyabonga. Dankie. Thank you once again.
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