2023 Fundraiser - Lebanon

WDF’s 2023 fundraiser, Empowering Lebanese and refugee children and youth through sports to prevent NCDs, was rolled out by GAME Lebanon, an international NGO working for social change through youth-led street sports and culture. GAME has been active in Lebanon since 2007.

The project focused on strengthening access to public spaces for sports, addressing physical inactivity in children and youth in urban areas across Lebanon and nurturing participants’ life skills through training built around GAME’s Street Sports for Life Skills curriculum.

It supported Lebanese and refugee children and youth who live in disadvantaged urban communities and need to be more active in sports activities. It also focused on increasing awareness about the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle within their local communities.

“Through this project, GAME aims to promote healthy living and proper nutrition among children in Lebanon,” says Lynn Hajj, GAME Lebanon Communications Coordinator. “It will increase the children’s weekly physical activities and provide a platform for delivering nutrition-based education to them, as well as their parents and caregivers.”

The project took place over 18 months (2023 – 24).

Its targets included:

• 75 Playmakers (volunteer street sports instructors and role models) trained using GAME’s proven train-the-trainer concept. 12 of the Playmakers will also be coached as Health Promotion Ambassadors
• 1,250 children and youth from less advantaged families attend the Playmaker-led activities and gain access to free and inclusive street sports
• Media, politicians, relevant actors and the general public increase awareness for access to organized sports and physical activity spaces

Results at completion:

• Five GAME zones established within local municipalities offered
• 268 sports training sessions across Lebanon.  
• 1,562 children and youth participating in health and sports activities.
• 170 young playmakers trained and engaged in health and sports training, and 27 young health ambassadors spread NCD and healthy lifestyle awareness.
• 75 parents reached in family events around sports and health
• 15 health awareness raising articles/posts reaching at least 182,600 persons through Facebook.
• 65% of children and youth increased their physical activity after enrolling with GAME Lebanon; 77% youth increased knowledge on reliable sources for health information.
• Establishment of a basketball court at the GAME House facility and a facility management system and health awareness application.
• Multiple advocacy meetings with municipalities and stakeholders to increase access to sports and physical activity public spaces.