Long lasting impact Sport and physical education play an important role at the individual, community, national and global levels. For the individual, sport enhances one’s personal abilities, general health and self-knowledge. On the national level sport and physical education contribute to economic and social growth, improve public health, and bring different communities together. On the global level, if used consistently, sport and physical education can have a long-lasting positive impact on development, public health, peace and the environment.  Michael Kleiner, United Nations | Built bridges Access to and participation in sport and physical education provide an opportunity to experience social and moral inclusion for populations otherwise marginalized by social, cultural or religious barriers caused by gender, disability, or other forms of discrimination. Sport and physical education can represent an area to experience equality, freedom and a dignifying means for empowerment. The freedom and control over one’s body experienced in the practice of sport is particularly valuable for girls and women, for people with a disability, for people living in conflict areas, for people recovering from trauma.  © UNICEF/Peru 000999F-credit Alejandro Balaguer |