Views /Opinion

Sport: An evolving ecosystem

In the past few decades, sport has undergone significant changes, particularly with the integration of professional sport into the Olympics, which was once considered the pinnacle of amateur sport.

This transformation has led to the development of a complex and interconnected multi-sector system. 

Instead of a simple pyramid structure with the International Olympic Committee and International Federations at the top and national federations, leagues, and clubs at the bottom, the sport system now involves various stakeholders, including:

The public sector, represented by the Ministry of Youth and Sport or the Directorate of Sport in some countries. They are responsible for grassroots and community sport development, as well as the management of sport infrastructure.

Elite Sport Councils, which can operate under the National Olympic Committee or exist as separate quasi-governmental entities like UK Sport or the Australian Elite Institute. These entities hold more power in terms of setting priorities and allocating resources for elite sport strategies.

Physical education and school sport, overseen by the Ministry of Education. They work closely with grassroots/community sport to provide access to sport facilities and organise extracurricular activities that promote a healthy lifestyle (much needed nowadays). They also collaborate with sport clubs to identify talented young players with potential in various sports disciplines.

Sport media, both state-owned and private, have the responsibility of broadcasting national and international sport events, as well as promoting different types of sports at various levels, including school sport, community sport, and elite sport. The media also plays a crucial role in offering a platform for athletes, professionals, and academics to discuss governance issues, sports events, management, and policy aspects. They strive to provide equal coverage opportunities for top/Olympic sports and so-called minor (marginalised) sports, including the Paralympics.

The private sector plays a key role in financing sports, especially those that attract significant media coverage. Private corporations engage in sport for branding and profit-making purposes and often contribute back to the community through corporate social responsibility programs. This support is particularly crucial for community sport and minor sports that may not receive the same level of media coverage.

Local authorities collaborate closely with different ministries and directly engage with the community to ensure access to sports activities and facilities for residents from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. In Qatar, the upcoming Central Municipal Council election on June 22 would a great opportunity to promote community sport and sport participation as public health priority and legacy of Qatar’s state sport strategy at various levels.

Civil society organisations play a significant role in promoting and advocating for sport among different categories of people, particularly highlighting the value of sport for social inclusion and community cohesion.

Sport manufacturing and construction industries produce equipment and state-of-the-art sports facilities, with increasing demand to be more inclusive, and environmentally friendly.

Sport service providers offer marketing, event management, and hospitality services, among others.

Despite the competition between these different sectors in terms of power, legitimacy and funding access, a well-functioning and equitable sport system requires all these interest groups to work in harmony.

Good governance values such as transparency, equity, ethics, and social responsibility serve as the ideal foundations to strengthen this cohesion.