Journal of Physical Education and Sport ® (JPES), Vol 20 (Supplement issue 5), Art 390 pp 2875 – 2882, 2020 online ISSN: 2247 - 806X; p-ISSN: 2247 – 8051; ISSN - L = 2247 - 8051 © JPES Original Article Sport as an instrument of social development - the example of London MARIUSZ CZUPICH Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, POLAND Published online: October 30, 2020 (Accepted for publication: October 22, 2020) DOI:10.7752/jpes.2020.s5390 Abstract: In the last several years, an increase in the importance of sport in the implementation of public policy has been observed. On the one hand, it is expressed, for example, in involving children and young people in sports initiatives and clubs, improving cooperation between charities, non-profit organisations, clubs and creating more opportunities for participation in sports and recreation for adults and seniors. On the other hand, however, states, regions and cities strive to host major sports events. Apart from economic benefits, they also bring positive social effects. They are related to social inclusion, building national/local pride and increasing the level of social capital. All of the above-mentioned sports-oriented activities translate into an improvement in physical and mental health and have a positive impact on social ties, relationships, and social attitudes. The principles and mechanisms on which sport is based have an educational, upbringing, and motivating value. Therefore, sport has become a factor in social development. Social development strategies are implemented at various levels - from micro, through meso to macro. This means that, on a large scale, they involve governments, international organisations and, on a smaller scale, local communities. The initiatives undertaken at the local level are particularly important, as their effectiveness is usually higher than that of national programs. The purpose of this article is to identify sports initiatives undertaken by London authorities that have social implications. London is a city that is recognised as the world’s sports capital. For many years, the authorities of London have been actively supporting sport (local initiatives and mega sports events) and physical activity to reduce the risks related to the rising costs of healthcare, ageing of the population, social inequalities, and crime among young people. Moreover, the concern for social development brings tangible benefits in the economic aspect. The results of the sport-oriented policy are disseminated through Active Citizen Worldwide, which London is a member of. In this way, other cities can benefit from experiences and best practices to improve their social policies. Keywords: sport initiatives, social development, community sport programmes Introduction Social development is often identified with social change. It is planned and aimed at supporting the well-being of the entire population (Midgley, 1995, p. 25). The change may mean an improvement in health, level of education, living conditions (quality of living, earnings), access to culture, and a decrease in crime. Moreover, an important aspect of social changes is the improvement of the level of social capital, including the strengthening of relationships, tolerance, trust, and the level of integration. In recent years, an increasing role of sport and physical activity in creating social change can be observed. In most cases, sport is seen as a social activity. It is a way of spending free time and helps maintain a healthy condition. However, it has more roles assigned. For example, sports events, from local to international mega sports events, have a different impact on the society and economy of the country/city of the organiser (Misener, 2015). Therefore, they are recognised by public authorities as an important instrument of socio- economic development (Cornelissen, 2008). Research conducted among European Union countries confirms that there is a dependence between public sport policies and health status (Szczepaniak, 2020). Thus, sport is a phenomenon with socio-economic implications. It plays a vital role in shaping many areas of social life. It is recognised as a strong socialising factor (Barbu et al. , 2020). It teaches children various roles in team games and helps mature people to renew contacts in society. It also allows competing and overcoming own limitations. Sport creates opportunities to meet other people, communicate, acquire new values in the form of fair play, tolerance and respect. The aspect of socialisation is also present during sports events. They evoke psychological reactions, experiences, emotions and behaviours typical of athletes among observers. Consequently, sport promotes positive behaviour and reduces anti-social attitudes among young people. It should also be emphasised that sport affects the improvement of social capital and social inclusion (Lawson, 2005; Skinner et al. , 2008). The impact of sport on social development is multifaceted. It has been identified in the following areas: physical health, cognitive and academic development, mental health, crime reduction, and reduction of truancy and disaffection (Bailey, 2005). Moreover, it turns out that sport also --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2875 Corresponding Author: MARIUSZ CZUPICH, E-mail: [email protected] MARIUSZ CZUPICH --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- contributes to community bonds and active citizenship (Delaney & Keaney, 2005). Participation in sport increases the level of social trust and well-being. Dependences between physical activity and social development concern the level of the individual as well as local communities and society as a whole. London is a city that places great emphasis on sport and physical activity. It is visible in numerous programs, initiatives and projects that are implemented in this city. Moreover, the London authorities have been trying to attract large sports events for many years. In the prestigious Burson Cohn & Wolfe’s ranking, London was recognised as the top sports city in the world from 2012 to 2019 1. Therefore, it is worth exploring the sports supporting activities of the London authorities in more detail, especially in the context of their social effects. The article aims to identify public initiatives supporting sport and physical activity in London that influence social development. Two methods were used in the article: literature studies to determine the importance of sport and sports events, especially in the area of social development, and case studies to present sports supporting activities undertaken by the London authorities. The role of sport in the development of an individual, community and society Social capital is a unique determinant of economic development (Wosiek, 2016). This capital can be created through sport. Involvement in league games, in the organisation of sports clubs, and sports volunteering helps to improve the effectiveness of local communities. The benefits of such activities are greater coordination, increased trust, and concern for the common good (Coalter, 2007). It should be emphasised that sport also promotes values that are characteristic of the education system. It is about, for instance, personal growth, a dialectic of the individual and the group within the team, participation in a social reality which has its own rules and that one must learn and apply later, the feeling of belonging to a community (Palma et al. , 2018). They translate into team spirit, respect for the rules, friendship, self-control, respect for others, and educational growth. Therefore, it can be argued that sport can affect children and youth in a similar way that school does. Therefore, public investments in sport seem to be an appropriate instrument for solving social problems. Research conducted in Australia has shown that they contribute to national identity building, community development, integration, health improvement, education improvement, crime prevention and economic benefits (Australian Sports Commission, 2005). Sports activity at a grassroots level is particularly important, as it has the potential to motivate, inspire and prevent social diseases (Zakus, 1999). It can be used to activate people at risk of social exclusion and facilitate social revitalisation (Ignasiak-Szulc, 2020). City authorities are grappling with an increasing number of challenges. It is worth mentioning the social ones which include: overweight leading to diseases that require long-term treatment, ageing of society, civilisation diseases (stress, depression, mental problems), social inequalities, and intolerance. Physical activity helps to reduce the negative impact of these phenomena. It causes positive changes at the individual, community, and society levels (Table 1). Table 1. Multilevel impact of physical activity on the social, health, and economic spheres Social Health Economy Individual Level Stronger Values, Empathy Improved Health and Happier and more and Resilience Wellbeing Productive Workforce Community Level Integration with Healthier Communities New Jobs and Opportunities Communities Society Level Cohesion between Healthcare Cost Savings Stronger Economy Communities Source: Active Citizen Worldwide (2018). Taking into account the contents of the table above, it can be concluded that physical activity and sport have broad