Sports and Sustainable Development: A Systematic Review of Their Contribution to the SDGs and Public Health

Javier Campillo-Sánchez, Francisco José Borrego-Balsalobre (), Arturo Díaz-Suárez and Vicente Morales-Baños
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Javier Campillo-Sánchez: Department of Physical Activity and Sport, CEI Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
Francisco José Borrego-Balsalobre: Department of Physical Activity and Sport, CEI Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
Arturo Díaz-Suárez: Department of Physical Activity and Sport, CEI Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
Vicente Morales-Baños: Department of Physical Activity and Sport, CEI Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: This systematic review aims to explore the role of sports in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on SDG 3, which pertains to health and well-being. It seeks to analyze how sports can prevent non-communicable diseases, promote mental and physical health, and offer constructive alternatives for addiction prevention and treatment. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA-NMA 2020 guidelines. The research question was formulated using the PICO framework. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct were searched using appropriate keywords and Boolean operators. Eligibility criteria were applied to select relevant studies, which were then assessed for quality using CASPe and GRADE systems. The review identified that sports significantly contribute to the achievement of multiple SDGs, notably SDG 3, by enhancing physical and mental health, reducing non-communicable diseases, and promoting well-being. From the analysis of the reviewed articles, which include these aspects, it is concluded that sport significantly impacts sustainable development and can be a powerful tool to address public health and social problems. Sports also play a vital role in economic growth, social inclusion, and gender equality. However, challenges such as inequitable access to sports facilities, gender disparities, and environmental impacts of sports activities were highlighted. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted impact of sports on sustainable development, emphasizing its potential to address health and social challenges. It offers evidence-based insights and practical recommendations for integrating sports into sustainable development strategies, highlighting the need for inclusive and environmentally responsible sports policies and practices.

Keywords: social inclusion; gender equality; sustainable development; economic impact; challenges (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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