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<p>This study examined the role of sports in peace-building and social transformation in diverse contexts of Ethiopia, touching upon both its promise and its challenges in different settings. The rationale of this study is that the topic is promising, theoretically broad, and socially relevant. And it maps Ethiopian experiences in relation to global sports-for-peace debates is a worthwhile and timely topic. To explore and examine the study, a web-based qualitative research design was used to get qualitative empirical data. The qualitative data was categorized and analyzed thematically. The major findings indicate that unlocking the potential of sports to drive peace and social transformation in Ethiopia is instrumental to reconciliation and peace-building. Moreover, sports in Ethiopia offer an immense opportunity for fostering peace, social inclusion, and economic development. However, despite its potential, the role of sports in peace building and social change is not without challenges. The difficulties emanating from inadequate infrastructure and finance, political and ethnic divisions, gender disparities, few trained human resources, and program continuity. A significant barrier is the lack of sports facilities and inadequate funding for grassroots programs. The majority of sports facilities are located in urban areas, and rural communities lack adequate access to organized sports programs. Ethiopia’s political and multi-ethnic situation could affect the efficacy of peace-building via sports. Ethnic conflicts and provincial rivalries could at times be channeled into sports competition, leading to separation or exclusion rather than unity. Therefore, I suggest that by promoting cross-cultural interaction, building local capacity, and empowering marginalized groups, sports can be harnessed to break down social barriers and create more harmonious communities. The support of NGOs, community organizations, and international partners is crucial in ensuring the sustainability and success of sports-for-peace programs in Ethiopia.</p>

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Unlocking the potential of sports to drive peace and social transformation: theoretical and empirical perspectives

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月1日

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  • Mekonnen Hailemariam Zikargae

摘要

This study examined the role of sports in peace-building and social transformation in diverse contexts of Ethiopia, touching upon both its promise and its challenges in different settings. The rationale of this study is that the topic is promising, theoretically broad, and socially relevant. And it maps Ethiopian experiences in relation to global sports-for-peace debates is a worthwhile and timely topic. To explore and examine the study, a web-based qualitative research design was used to get qualitative empirical data. The qualitative data was categorized and analyzed thematically. The major findings indicate that unlocking the potential of sports to drive peace and social transformation in Ethiopia is instrumental to reconciliation and peace-building. Moreover, sports in Ethiopia offer an immense opportunity for fostering peace, social inclusion, and economic development. However, despite its potential, the role of sports in peace building and social change is not without challenges. The difficulties emanating from inadequate infrastructure and finance, political and ethnic divisions, gender disparities, few trained human resources, and program continuity. A significant barrier is the lack of sports facilities and inadequate funding for grassroots programs. The majority of sports facilities are located in urban areas, and rural communities lack adequate access to organized sports programs. Ethiopia’s political and multi-ethnic situation could affect the efficacy of peace-building via sports. Ethnic conflicts and provincial rivalries could at times be channeled into sports competition, leading to separation or exclusion rather than unity. Therefore, I suggest that by promoting cross-cultural interaction, building local capacity, and empowering marginalized groups, sports can be harnessed to break down social barriers and create more harmonious communities. The support of NGOs, community organizations, and international partners is crucial in ensuring the sustainability and success of sports-for-peace programs in Ethiopia.