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Rønnevig emphasized that there is growing awareness of that role of sport internationally and at national levels as well.

 

In the period 2006-2015, the government will strengthen sport based development cooperation with emphasis on school sport and strengthening national sport organizations.

 

It was also mentioned that sport gets different allocations. In general, sport and physical education is valued and aimed to improve health.

 

There was a recognition of a broad definition of culture as expression where sport is viewed as a form of creative expression which forms an integral part of the lives of individuals and society.

 

Sport for all
Equal opportunity to do sports was also mentioned as an important part of the strategy to ensure participation at grassroot level and that everyone gets the opportunity to participate in physical activities. As a consequence, competitive sport is not included in the strategy.

 

There was an interesting discussion about sport in Norway being distinguished from physical activity. Sport should not just be a means to an end but also an end in itself.

 

Sport into development programs: the MDGs
During the discussion, it was evident that the Norwegian strategy is based partly on the UN report on the Millennium Development Goals that makes sport a practical tool for achieving goals in the fields of HIV/AIDS, education, environmental awareness campaigns, creating jobs and promoting health (UN, 2003).

 

Again, Marianne Rønnevig made it clear that a balance must be found not to compromise the intrinsic value of sport as an activity. Therefore we should encourage participation especially for communities living in poverty.

Partners
During the discussion, it also became clear that the main partners are sport organizations. The focus is always to enhance the quality of sport, so that it makes the added value better.

 

Guidelines and procedures for registering sport organizations were also discussed.

 

Priorities:

 

- Policies and sectors Funds in support of sport activities are allocated and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norad assign the funds according to applications, of course, mainly from sport organizations.

 

However, it was evident that some limited NGOs have access to thess funds as well. Major beneficiaries here were mentioned as the Norwegian Olympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (NIF), the Football Association of Norway (NFF), and Right
to Play (as a humanitarian organization).

 

There were questions regarding how Right to Play get in while it, firstly, is not a sport organization and, secondly, is based outside Norway. The answer was elusive, but audience understood that it was possible for an NGO to get funds as well.

 

It was also made clear from the presenter that the cooperation with NGOs is first and foremost with NIF, NFF and with Right to Play. Other key actors and arenas were mentioned as the Kicking AIDS Out network and the Norway Cup.

 

Reporting and evaluation
The Norwegian School of Sports Sciences is a major partner, if one is interested to conduct research with like-minded institutions in the south.

The focus of these researches should be to provide more knowledge to decision makers. Thus research could: map projects that are already implemented, or start new research on sport and poverty. The rule here is to identify a partner, i.e. local Norwegian institutions and local universities in the south.

General discussion
There was a good discussion about the domination of western sport which takes with it western culture. A suggestion to concentrate on local indigenous sport was given.

 

However, the big sports like football was pointed at as useful tools to
reach out, thus we may consider capturing on that potential.

 

Sport movements and local sports could be emphasized more.