International Inspiration acknowledged in historic UN resolution

The International Inspiration Programme (IIP) has been acknowledged in a historical UN Resolution that recognises IIP as the first legacy initiative ever linked to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

The resolution adopted by consensus during the 69th session acknowledges: "The International Inspiration programme, the first legacy initiative ever linked to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which has reached over 25 million children in 20 countries around the world through the power of high-quality and inclusive physical education, sport and play."

IIP was the London 2012 international development legacy programme designed and delivered by UK Sport, UNICEF and the British Council, working with policymakers, practitioners and directly with children and young people. The programme formally came to an end in March 2014 and IN continues to work in partnership with organisations around the world to provide high quality and inclusive sports programmes to engage more children in education and promoting rights, status and voice of women and girls in their communities; providing opportunities for children with disabilities to join in social and sporting activities.

IIP's vision to enrich the lives of children and young people of all abilities, in schools and communities across the world, particularly in developing countries, through the power of high quality and inclusive physical education (PE), sport and play was the result of a promise made by former Chairman of LOCOG and current Chairman of IN, Lord Sebastian Coe, to share the spirit of the Games during London's Olympic and Paralympic bid in Singapore, 2005. 

In an independent evaluation by Ecorys in June 2014, it was confirmed that the programme had successfully reached over 25 million children and influenced 55 policies, strategies or legislative changes around the world.

Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace, Mr Wilfried Lemke, commented: "I am excited and encouraged by the adoption of this year’s Resolution. It shows that the UN, its member states and other relevant stakeholders are committed to using sport for development and peace. More and more, sport is being recognized as an efficient and effective tool to help support the achievement of a wide array of goals and objectives, evidenced by this decision today, as well as numerous other resolutions and reports on the cause. This is yet another important milestone to ensure further momentum in this field.”

Read the full resolution.