Health Promotion and Social Development through Sport

This chapter explores three sport-for-development initiatives in Belarus and Ukraine, focusing on their role in supporting vulnerable youth populations through health promotion, rehabilitation, and social inclusion. Set within the post-Soviet context and the enduring impact of the Chernobyl disaster, the projects include: a rehabilitation camp for children affected by Chernobyl, combining sport, medical care, and environmental education; sports programmes in youth prisons promoting discipline, teamwork, and structured engagement; and a summer camp for street children in Kyiv offering respite and personal development through team-based activities. Drawing on interviews, observations, and participant feedback, the chapter critically examines the assumptions linking sport to positive development outcomes. Whilst these initiatives show potential in building resilience and social cohesion, they also reveal challenges around inclusion, long-term impact, and ethical considerations with respect to working with marginalised populations. The chapter calls for a deeper understanding of the complex role sport can play in addressing social vulnerabilities in transitional societies.