Leave No One Behind: Social Sustainability through Sport in Local Authorities - The Case of Spor Istanbul

Year 2025, Volume: 7 Issue: 3, 567 - 577, 30.09.2025

Kadir Çalışkan , Suat Karaküçük

https://doi.org/10.56639/jsar.1763575

Abstract

This study examines the contribution of Spor Istanbul AŞ to social sustainability goals through sport at the level of local authorities. Employing a qualitative research design, it analyses institutional reports published between 2019 and 2024 using content analysis. The findings reveal the role of sport in advancing social inclusion, health, education, and equality in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Spor Istanbul’s activities are closely aligned with social sustainability, particularly with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Operating with a public service mission rather than pursuing profit, the organisation evaluates the societal outcomes of its services through Social Return on Investment (SROI) reports. This perspective positions sport not merely as a form of physical activity, but as a strategic instrument for enhancing social well-being. By highlighting the role of sport in the social sustainability policies of local authorities, the study demonstrates its effectiveness as a public policy tool for promoting social justice and inclusion at the local level.

Keywords

Sustainable development , Municipal subsidiaries , Social benefit , Social impact

Ethical Statement

This study did not involve the collection of any human participant data or personal information that would require ethics committee approval; instead, only publicly available documents and reports were analysed. For this reason, the research did not require ethics committee approval.

Supporting Institution

This research received no external funding from Spor Istanbul Inc. or any other institution.

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