UNICEF calls for more investments in sports for every child

Podgorica, 23 November 2025 – On the occasion of World Children’s Day, UNICEF reminds that children in Montenegro still have limited opportunities for safe and quality play, while as many as 75% of them do not meet the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity. At the same time, 40% of schools lack an indoor sports hall, and children with disabilities face the greatest barriers in accessing sports and recreational activities.

These findings were presented at an inclusive sports event held at the University Sports and Cultural Centre in Podgorica, which brought together more than 250 children and young people. The event was organized by UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Capital City, with the participation of athletes, Paralympians, representatives of Special Olympics, and numerous institutions.

Fourteen-year-old Samuela Bajra and sixteen-year-old Dženan Rastoder opened the programme by reminding everyone that the right to play is just as important as the right to education and health, emphasizing that many children do not have safe and accessible spaces where they can move, train, and socialize. The young people directly asked decision-makers what institutions are doing to improve school sports and to renovate playgrounds. They asked the Minister of Sports and Youth, Dragoslav Šćekić, how he plans to strengthen sports in schools.

“Our main goal is to ensure that sports facilities and activities are accessible to everyone, especially children. This is why, in the Sports Strategy, we placed a special focus on school sports, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation,” Šćekić emphasized.

They asked the Acting Secretary of the Secretariat for Social Welfare of the Capital City, Stefan Vešović, what the Capital City is doing to improve the renovation and accessibility of playgrounds.

“The Capital City is intensively improving sports and recreational areas by upgrading equipment, building new playgrounds, installing video surveillance, and ensuring equal investment across all city neighbourhoods. At the same time, significant attention is being paid to strengthening school sports and cooperation with the community through new sports activities for students.”

The young participants also asked the UNICEF Representative to Montenegro, Michele Servadei, which programmes UNICEF is implementing to ensure that every child can enjoy their right to play and sports.

“First, together with the Ministry of Sports and Youth, we helped ensure that school sports become a priority in the new Sports Development Strategy. Second, with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, we are working to improve school infrastructure. And third, since 2017, UNICEF has supported Special Olympics programmes such as Young Athletes and Unified Teams, so that children with disabilities can participate in sports alongside their peers in schools. These programmes have already reached many schools across Montenegro,” Servadei explained.

He added that UNICEF will continue to support Montenegro in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to enjoy their right to play and sport by strengthening school sports, improving infrastructure, and expanding programmes that include children with disabilities.

According to WHO data and the 2022-2023 Report on Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents, children’s physical activity declines with age, with the steepest drop occurring between the ages of 12 and 15 – particularly among girls. Children with disabilities also remain significantly underrepresented in sports, with participation estimates ranging from 4% to 25%.

More than 400 participants and visitors at the event confirmed how important safe spaces for movement, exercise, and play are for children.

Regular physical activity remains one of the key protective factors for adolescent mental health. Research shows that 30-60 minutes of physical activity three to four times a week reduces anxiety by 20-30% and the risk of depression by 25%. Given that one in six adolescents shows symptoms of stress or anxiety, UNICEF emphasizes the need for increased investment in sports and play.

UNICEF calls on institutions, schools, and local communities to ensure that every girl and every boy has opportunities from early childhood to exercise their right to play and sport – a right that is essential for their development and for their physical and mental wellbeing.