A MENSTON based charity has been invited to become a founding member of a Swiss based movement which seeks to use sport to address urgent world issues.

The Bambisanani Partnership’s pioneering work in South Africa using sport to promote education, health, global citizenship and leadership, has led to the invite to become a founding member of Sport and Sustainably International (SandSI).

Sport and Sustainability International is an international Swiss based movement that seeks to use the powerful influence of sport to help address some of the world’s most urgent sustainability issues. With representation from over 50 countries and six continents, SandSi is committed to promoting sustainability policies including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

Based at St. Mary’s School, Menston and supported by both the University of Leeds and Leeds Trinity University, the Bambisanani Partnership charity has gained international acclaim over the past 11 years for its work in one of South Africa’s most deprived rural areas.

Didier Lehénaff, President of Sport and Sustainability International said: “Sport and Sustainability International (SandSI) is honoured to have the Bambisanani Partnership as one of its founding members. Through the use of sport this highly successful project connects the northern and southern hemispheres addressing key social, environmental, economic and governance issues. The Bambisanani Partnership is showing the way that sport has the power to change the world.”

David Geldart, founder and chairman of the Bambisanani Partnership added: “It is a great honour and a privilege for the Bambisanani Partnership to be invited to become a founding member of such an important and ambitious organisation. The chance to work with key individuals and organisations from around the world to promote sustainability, in all its inter-related aspects, through sport is a tremendous opportunity. Many young people are interested in sport, the environment and social justice and would like to make a difference in the world; this is an important part of our work. Sport has a massive role to play in promoting sustainability and we are keen to play our part in taking this important movement forward.”