SPORT AS A DRIVING FORCE FOR A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY

Sport gets people moving – not just physically, but also socially. The Institute for Sport and Sustainable Development at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol is dedicated to exploring how sport can act as a catalyst for social integration, health, and environmental protection. The focus is on combining a passion for sport with ecological and social responsibility. “Sport can be a powerful engine for positive change in our society,” emphasizes Institute Director Prof. (FH) Dr. Louis Moustakas. “Our goal is to develop sustainable solutions through research and practical projects that strengthen sport as a space for social change.”

The institute pursues an interdisciplinary approach and works at the interface of social sciences, management, and sustainability. Its research activities are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and range from the design of sports-based development programs and the promotion of physical activity to the analysis of the environmental impact of sporting events.

Three key areas shape the institute's work:

• Sport & Development: This area examines how sport can contribute to social inclusion, education, and empowerment. Programs are designed and evaluated to address specific social challenges.
• Sport & Health: Research focuses on the positive effects of physical activity on well-being and develops evidence-based strategies to promote an active lifestyle – for all age groups and population groups.
• Sport & Environmental Protection: The institute analyzes the ecological footprint of sport and develops concepts for sustainable sports infrastructures and environmentally conscious event formats.

In addition to research, the Institute for Sport and Sustainable Development offers practical support for sports organizations, for example through workshops, advice on sustainability strategies, or the design of measures to promote physical activity. Students benefit from the integration of current content into courses and can get involved in projects and theses.

A current example of the international impact of the institute's work is the PASS – Policy Advocacy for Sport and Society project, which promotes the systematic establishment of sport as a social actor. It shows how targeted lobbying and political cooperation can sustainably strengthen the impact of sporting initiatives.

Through its commitment, the Institute is helping to establish sport not only as a leisure activity, but also as a strategic tool for sustainable development – both locally and internationally.

Links:

• Institute For Sport & Sustainable Development | Website
• PASS – Policy Advocacy for Sport and Society | Research Project