Improve health and well-being for all, at all ages (SDG 3)

Inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. The importance of healthy lifestyles is prioritised in the Sustainable Development Agenda. Participating in physical education and sport can be highly motivating settings for encouraging people to be more active, contributing to the reduction of “premature mortality from non-communicable diseases” and associated healthcare costs (SDG 3.4).   Evidence shows that participating in physical education, physical activity and sport is associated with improved psychological and social health, as well as the prevention and treatment of substance abuse (SDG 3.5). Regular participation supports the healthy development of children and adolescents, including their cognitive and psychosocial development. Sport events and large-scale physical activity programmes can also provide a platform for community health messaging and empowerment, engaging a diverse range of people who might otherwise not be reached through conventional health delivery. This supports efforts to address communicable disease and improve access to sexual and reproductive health-care services (SDG 3.3 and 3.7).