TAFISA Workshop on 3AC – Better Life in a Better City with Sport for All

The Association for International Sport for All (TAFISA) in conjunction with MAFIMA, organized a half day workshop on "3AC – Active Cities, Active Communities and Active Citizens" on 3rd May 2010 at the International Youth Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Prof. Dr. Peter Kapustin, presented a paper on "Significance of the Urban Setting or Better Life in a Better City with Sport for All". He spoke on the rapid urbanization, particularly in the developing countries and the poor quality of life for people living in the cities, especially the poor and disadvantaged. He listed some of the problems of city life, such as traffic jams, pollution, lack of space for recreation, sport and social activities, high crime rate, poor health, limited opportunities for education, etc. Prof. Dr. Peter Kapustin then elaborated on the TAFISA 3AC programme, with the objective of developing Active Cities with Active Communities and Active Citizens. The structure of 3AC calls for the Active Cities to provide the sports facilities and infrastructure as well as the promotion and networking. The Active Communities are to establish sports clubs, cooperation with schools and homes with sport for all programmes for specific target groups, while Active Citizens to serve as volunteers, motivators and leaders to bring their family, friends, neighbourhood and themselves to participate in the sport for all activitieis and programmes. He then listed out the benefits of 3AC programme, some of which are shown below: For the Active Citizens:. Healthier life in social integration.. Increase zest for life with positive aims.. Self confidence and self assessment.. Positive experience through physical activities. For the managers, instructors or leaders involved in the programme:. Feeling of being needed and feeling of responsibility.. Experience success and doing well.. To be recognized and honoured and learning for life. For the Active Community:. Less conflicts and misunderstandings.. Creation of partnership between generations, families, different social groups, and neighbours.. Active, creative and happy community life.. Organise sport for all activities with nearby communities. For the Active City:. Partnership and respect between city administration, politicians and population of the city.. Social, emotional, informal and formal network between Sport for All providers and organizers, kindergartens, schools, universities, sports clubs, etc.. Cooperation between Sport for All organisations and health network. Prof. Dr. Peter Kapustin concluded his lecture by an action plan for the implementation of 3AC programme. He said that there must be a vision and to determine the needs of the city, recruit staff and volunteers, develop and organise local Sport for All programme, sports events through sports clubs and sports teams, develop concept for urban parks and green open space, promote multi-use of facilities, prepare budget and source of sponsors and donors, use the media and strengthen network. At the end of the lecture by Prof. Dr. Peter Kapustin, Ms. Bae Dixon briefed the participants on the background and history of TAFISA and spoke on the rating system for the 3AC programme. She clarified that the 3AC programme is a recognition and award programme initiated and evaluated by TAFISA. After the two lectures, the participants were split into 6 groups for workshops on specific topics of the 3AC programme.