Sports for Social Impact

David Thibodeau

Sports for Social Impact explores the power that sport has to create a positive impact in society. Sport for development & peace is a versatile tool that can be used to tackle many social, environmental & economic challenges such as the Sustainable Development Goals. The hope is that these conversations and ideas will help achieve the maximum benefit of sport in our society. Hosted by David Thibodeau. Contact: sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com Make sure you follow us on Linkedin and Instagram to stay connected! @SportsSocImpact

  1. 14h ago

    Values Driven Sport (with Judo Golovec, Špela Lampe)

    Judo Golovec is a grassroots, community-based judo organisation based in Slovenia. Founded to promote judo as more than just a sport, the club focuses on education, personal growth, and building a supportive community through the practice of judo.  Špela Lampe, is the President of Judo Golovec. With over two decades of experience in project management, her career spans business, global events, NGOs, and university environments. For the past ten years, she has dedicated her work to the NGO and grassroots sports sector, where she champions judo as a powerful tool for personal development, empowerment, and community building. Špela is deeply committed to fostering inclusion, resilience, and growth through judo, aligning her professional and personal mission with the values of the sport. Links: Judo Golovec: https://judogolovec.si/ ----  Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help bring others in the world of sports into the conversation! The Sports for Social Impact podcast was nominated for a Sports Podcast Award and Canadian Podcast Award. Send us an email at ⁠⁠sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com⁠⁠  Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sportsforsocialimpact⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-for-social-impact⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (@SportsSocImpact)  Follow us on Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@sportssocimpact⁠ Join our bookclub: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXiczKtPflGv4vaIEw9wJvGZ2RASB5_3-DIPRU0N-T8Io8Zg/viewform?usp=header Visit our website at ⁠https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/⁠

  2. Aug 4

    Unstoppable: How Girls on the Field is Changing Lives (with Kizlar Sahada, Kiraz Öcal)

    Kıizlar Sahada is a community-focused initiative dedicated to empowering women and girls through sport and active participation in football. The organization creates inclusive spaces where individuals can engage in athletic activities, fostering teamwork, leadership, and personal growth. By promoting the values of equality, resilience, and community, Kizlar Sahada aims to inspire confidence and solidarity among its members. Kiraz’s journey in civil society began during her psychology studies at Uludağ University, where she joined AIESEC and developed a passion for social impact. After graduating, she moved to the UK, volunteering at Oxfam and earning a master’s in International Human Resources Management with a focus on corporate social responsibility and diversity. Her research was presented at international conferences, and she later worked at Comic Relief Headquarters. Returning to Türkiye in 2011, she applied her expertise in sustainability, gender equality, and leadership in corporate roles until 2018. Since 2014, she has been a dedicated volunteer for Girls on the Field, and after the project won a competition and entered incubation, she transitioned from her corporate career to become a founding partner, driven by her commitment to empowering women through football. Kizlar Sahada: https://www.kizlarsahada.com/tr ----  Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help bring others in the world of sports into the conversation! The Sports for Social Impact podcast was nominated for a Sports Podcast Award and Canadian Podcast Award. Send us an email at ⁠⁠sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com⁠⁠  Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sportsforsocialimpact⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-for-social-impact⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (@SportsSocImpact)  Follow us on Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@sportssocimpact⁠ Join our bookclub: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXiczKtPflGv4vaIEw9wJvGZ2RASB5_3-DIPRU0N-T8Io8Zg/viewform?usp=header Visit our website at ⁠https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/⁠

  3. Jul 14

    Step by Step: How Living Streets is Making Walking Accessible (with Zak Viney)

    Living Streets is the UK’s leading charity for everyday walking, dedicated to creating a nation where walking is the natural choice for local journeys. Founded in 1929 as the Pedestrians’ Association, it has a long history of advocating for safer, more accessible streets and improving the walking environment and inspire more people to choose walking as a way to stay healthy, reduce congestion, and lower pollution. Through  campaigns, community projects, and advocacy, Living Streets works with local authorities, schools, and volunteers to make streets more pedestrian-friendly and to promote the benefits of walking for individuals and communities alike. Their mission is to transform streets into vibrant public spaces that bring everyone together.  Zak Viney is the Campaigns & Public Affairs Coordinator at Living Streets. In this role, Zak works to promote pedestrian rights, safer streets, and policies that make walking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.  Links: Living Streets: https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/ Paris 2024 Sustainability: https://library.olympics.com/Default/doc/SYRACUSE/3532845/sustainability-legacy-post-games-report-strategic-focus-delivering-more-sustainable-games-paris-2024 Birmingham 2022 Game Transport Plan: https://www.tfwm.org.uk/media/30vhr1zh/games-transport-plan-january-2022.pdf ----  Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help bring others in the world of sports into the conversation! The Sports for Social Impact podcast was nominated for a Sports Podcast Award and Canadian Podcast Award. Send us an email at ⁠⁠sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com⁠⁠  Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sportsforsocialimpact⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-for-social-impact⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (@SportsSocImpact)  Follow us on Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@sportssocimpact⁠ Join our bookclub: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXiczKtPflGv4vaIEw9wJvGZ2RASB5_3-DIPRU0N-T8Io8Zg/viewform?usp=header Visit our website at ⁠https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/⁠

  4. Jun 23

    Uplifting Communities Through Sport (with Fundación Living a Dream, Johann Sebastian Pardo)

    Fundación Living a Dream is rooted in the belief that communities thrive when given the tools to shape their own futures. Founded with a commitment to addressing systemic inequalities, the organization focuses on education, empowerment, and sustainable development to create meaningful, long-lasting change. Their work is built on collaboration, respect, and a deep understanding of local needs, ensuring that every initiative is both practical and transformative. Since its inception, Fundación Living a Dream has grown into a force for positive impact, particularly in regions where resources are scarce and opportunities have been limited. Their projects are designed not just to provide immediate relief, but to foster resilience and self-sufficiency, empowering individuals to take charge of their own paths. At the helm of Fundación Living a Dream is Johann Sebastian Pardo, the co-founder and program manager with over eight years of experience designing and implementing community initiatives in sports, culture, and human rights. His expertise lies in strategic planning, team leadership, and project management, all underpinned by a steadfast commitment to youth empowerment, inclusion, and reducing inequalities. Johann’s work is deeply rooted in collaboration, having partnered with diverse communities to create meaningful social impact. He balances practical action with forward-thinking vision. His leadership ensures that every initiative tackles urgent challenges while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and new possibilities. Links: Living a Dream Foundation: https://fundacionlivingadream.org/ Living a Dream Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fundacionlad/ Living a Dream contact: admin@fundacionlivingadream.org ----  Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help bring others in the world of sports into the conversation! The Sports for Social Impact podcast was nominated for a Sports Podcast Award and Canadian Podcast Award. Send us an email at ⁠⁠sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com⁠⁠  Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sportsforsocialimpact⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-for-social-impact⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (@SportsSocImpact)  Follow us on Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@sportssocimpact⁠ Join our bookclub: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXiczKtPflGv4vaIEw9wJvGZ2RASB5_3-DIPRU0N-T8Io8Zg/viewform?usp=header Visit our website at ⁠https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/⁠

  5. Jun 9

    When Sport Meets Social Innovation (with Ricardo Carvalho, Social Innovation Sports)

    Social Innovation Sports is a non-profit association that believes in sport as a driver of social change. They work alongside entrepreneurs, associations, foundations and other organisations to develop projects that promote inclusion, social impact and sustainability. Through participatory methodologies and innovative approaches, they help transform good ideas into concrete solutions, always with sport as the starting point. Founded by Ricardo Carvalho, a graduate in physical education and sport with a background as an entrepreneur in the technology sector, Social innovation sports began with a vision to use sport as a tool for empowering communities, families, youth, and children facing vulnerable situations. Links: Social Innovation Sports: https://www.socialinnovationsports.org/como-atuamos?lang=en ----  Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help bring others in the world of sports into the conversation! The Sports for Social Impact podcast was nominated for a Sports Podcast Award and Canadian Podcast Award. Send us an email at ⁠⁠sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com⁠⁠  Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sportsforsocialimpact⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-for-social-impact⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (@SportsSocImpact)  Follow us on Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@sportssocimpact⁠ Join our bookclub: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXiczKtPflGv4vaIEw9wJvGZ2RASB5_3-DIPRU0N-T8Io8Zg/viewform?usp=header Visit our website at ⁠https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/⁠

  6. May 12

    Sport and Urban Renewal (with Murhad Hussain, SpinLab)

    SpinLab is an inclusive, eco-friendly table tennis initiative in Aberdeen that transforms vacant urban properties into community hubs. By offering subsidised memberships, youth programmes and adaptive opportunities for people with disabilities, the project removes barriers to participation for low-income families and vulnerable groups. Aligned with Aberdeen’s Union Street Empty Shops Action Plan, SpinLab repurposes disused spaces into welcoming sport environments. By tackling the city’s 24% child poverty rate and promoting affordable access to sport, the initiative empowers communities to play, grow and thrive together. Murhad Hussain, from London, is a former international table tennis player now pursuing a Master’s in Sport Business Management. Alongside his career in powerlifting, in which he competes with international ambitions, Murhad is passionate about tackling child poverty and creating inclusive sport spaces. Through his work, he seeks to show how sport can build resilience, foster equality and drive lasting social change. Links: SpinLab: https://www.spinlabhq.co.uk/ IOC Young Leaders: https://www.olympics.com/ioc/young-leaders/murhad-hussain ----  Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help bring others in the world of sports into the conversation! The Sports for Social Impact podcast was nominated for a Sports Podcast Award and Canadian Podcast Award. Send us an email at ⁠⁠sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com⁠⁠  Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sportsforsocialimpact⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-for-social-impact⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (@SportsSocImpact)  Follow us on Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@sportssocimpact⁠ Join our bookclub: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXiczKtPflGv4vaIEw9wJvGZ2RASB5_3-DIPRU0N-T8Io8Zg/viewform?usp=header Visit our website at ⁠https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/⁠

  7. Apr 28

    Sport and Preventing Substance Abuse (with Otim Ambrose, Play Pure)

    Play Pure is a community-based initiative that aims to tackle drug and substance abuse among young people in Kampala’s Acholi Quarter. Through football and netball sessions, the project seeks to promote social well-being, gender equality and healthy living. By offering safe, structured alternatives, Play Pure will provide a positive outlet for young people aged 6-25, helping to reduce crime, violence and dependency on drugs while building stronger, more resilient communities. Otim Ambrose is a football player from Kampala who has experienced first-hand the power of sport to change lives. Growing up in the streets of Kampala, he rose through the ranks to proudly represent Uganda at the Seoul 2024 Homeless World Cup and as a Young Leader at Festival 24 in France. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement and Logistics Management. As a newly appointed IOC Young Leader (2025-2028), Otim is passionate about using sport to create opportunities for children and young people in Kampala’s slums. His vision is to harness football, netball and other team sports to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce vulnerability to drugs and substance abuse, and inspire youth to pursue positive paths. Links: IOC Young Leaders: https://www.olympics.com/ioc/young-leaders/otim-ambrose Play Pure Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playpureug?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3D  UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/justice-and-prison-reform/cpcj-crime-prevention-Sport.html  ----  Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help bring others in the world of sports into the conversation! The Sports for Social Impact podcast was nominated for a Sports Podcast Award and Canadian Podcast Award. Send us an email at ⁠⁠sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com⁠⁠  Linktree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/sportsforsocialimpact⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/sports-for-social-impact⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram (@SportsSocImpact)  Follow us on Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@sportssocimpact⁠ Join our bookclub: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXiczKtPflGv4vaIEw9wJvGZ2RASB5_3-DIPRU0N-T8Io8Zg/viewform?usp=header Visit our website at ⁠https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/

    Sport and Preventing Substance Abuse (with Otim Ambrose, Play Pure)

About

Sports for Social Impact explores the power that sport has to create a positive impact in society. Sport for development & peace is a versatile tool that can be used to tackle many social, environmental & economic challenges such as the Sustainable Development Goals. The hope is that these conversations and ideas will help achieve the maximum benefit of sport in our society. Hosted by David Thibodeau. Contact: sportsforsocialimpact@gmail.com Make sure you follow us on Linkedin and Instagram to stay connected! @SportsSocImpact