Inter-disciplinary Centre of Excellence for Sports Science and Development
This project's parent organization is University of the Western Cape
It operates in South Africa
It uses Multiple sports
Entered the Best New Project
More about Inter-disciplinary Centre of Excellence for Sports Science and Development
ICESSD started in 2009 at University of the Western Cape, using research, teaching, community engagement and new technologies to advance sport as a tool for development. It is Africa’s first centre to promote sport for social change, advancing sport’s capacity to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged communities. ICESSD brings together sports, health sciences, community development, and wellness to create new opportunities for using sport to improve social conditions. Although apartheid ended in South Africa in 1994, its legacy persists in ongoing separation between racial groups and mistrust between individuals. Most black and coloured residents live in segregated townships with high poverty and unemployment, substandard schools, and tremendous violence.
They are still excluded socially and economically from society’s full benefits. Throughout Africa, millions of children and youth suffer from poverty and lack of access to opportunities. ICESSD conducts multidisciplinary research and service programmes, training the next generation of sport leaders through continuing education, internships and participatory research opportunities. ICESSD pursues community outreach to provide performance enhancement services to emerging athletes and coaches from underserved communities. We offer professional development, coaching assistance, and help in liaising with federations and other organizations, furthering sport’s effectiveness in youth development and community upliftment.