First Consultation Workshop for the Sport and Health Capacity Development Initiative held in Jamaica

The first Consultation Workshop for the Sport and Health Capacity Development Initiative (SHCDI) took place on October 8-9 in Kingston, Jamaica. Led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) under the technical cooperation agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) and delivered by ICSSPE and the University of West Indies (UWI), the SHCDI is an ambitious effort aimed at integrating sport and health sectors to enhance community sport’s role in promoting healthier lifestyles. Our Development Committee members Claire Boursier and Mickey Scheinowitz, represented ICSSPE in Jamaica. Supported by Trevor Shilton, they are part of the ICSSPE project delivery team, working closely with all other consortia members of this initiative.

The SHCDI initiative’s cornerstone is the creation and implementation of a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course. Targeted at professionals across sport and health sectors, the course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively use community sport as a tool to improve health and well-being. By providing this cross-disciplinary training, the course aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on health promotion and policy development in support of global health and wellness.

During this workshop, participants representing various organisations from Jamaica and other neighbouring countries, gathered to offer expert insights into the course’s draft structure, content, and learning materials. This first round of consultations was critical in refining the course framework, as the feedback collected from the diverse group of professionals will shape further development stages. After these initial consultations, two additional workshops will be held in other regions, to ensure the course meets the needs of professionals and policymakers globally.