TAFISA Southeast Asian Sport for All Forum 2024: A Milestone for Regional Collaboration

The TAFISA Southeast Asian Sport for All Forum 2024 successfully concluded in Balikpapan, Indonesia, marking a significant step toward fostering collaboration and strategic development in the region. This forum was part of TAFISA’s Regional Outreach Year, a broader initiative aimed at expanding the Sport for All movement through targeted regional engagement. Supported by East Kalimantan Province and the local government of Balikpapan, KORMI (Indonesian National Sport for All Committee) hosted a three-day event that brought together community participation, strategic dialogue, and leadership development initiatives to advance the Sport for All movement across Southeast Asia.

Representing TAFISA, Board Members Tamazawa and Hong, and Kim, Advisor on Event Management and International Affairs, actively participated in the forum, reinforcing TAFISA's commitment to the region and contributing valuable insights to the discussions on future strategies and collaborations.

A Three-Day Event with Impact

Day 1: World Walking Day – 24 Hours Around the Globe

The event kicked off with TAFISA’s World Walking Day, bringing together over 15,000 registered participants in Balikpapan, with additional participation from other provinces across Indonesia, making use of the car-free day. People walked in solidarity to celebrate the importance of movement, fitness, and community spirit, reinforcing the power of unity through physical activity.

Day 2: Southeast Asian Sport for All Forum

The second day shifted focus to strategic dialogue with the TAFISA Southeast Asian Sport for All Forum, where both governmental and NGO representatives came together to discuss strategies, identify shared challenges, and exchange best practices to creat sustainable strategies that align with both TAFISA’s global objectives and the region’s priorities. This dialogue underscored the importance of regional cooperation and the need for an inclusive approach to Sport for All. Some of the key topics included the fusion of traditional and modern sports, the lack of accessible sports spaces in urban areas, and the challenge of securing equitable funding for grassroots sport initiatives versus elite sports.

The forum concluded with several key recommendations, including establishing an annual TAFISA Southeast Asian Sport for All Forum to continue fostering collaboration. Participants also expressed a keen interest in launching the first TAFISA Southeast Asian Sport for All Games in 2026 and called for World Walking Day to be formally recognized in the regional calendar. Additionally, there was strong emphasis on aligning these initiatives with ASEAN’s strategic framework, ensuring that Sport for All remains a priority in future ASEAN Work Plans, and contributing to the region's socio-cultural development.

Day 3: Leadership Workshop

Following the forum, the Workshop under the theme of “Effective Leadershpi in Sport for All” provided a hands-on opportunity for local participants to gain valuable knowledge and skills. The workshop featured speakers from both TAFISA and local organizations, offering diverse perspectives and expertise. The goal was to equip participants with the tools and strategies needed to lead and promote the Sport for All movement within their communities, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well-prepared to carry on the mission.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the TAFISA Southeast Asian Sport for All Forum 2024 showcased the strength of regional collaboration and the power of uniting both NGOs and governmental bodies in working towards a common goal. The forum generated insightful discussions, leading to strategic recommendations that will guide future initiatives. Southeast Asia’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and active future was evident, and with the momentum from this event, the region is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the global Sport for All movement.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all the delegates who attended, actively contributed, and shared their invaluable perspectives. Additionally, our deepest gratitude to KORMI for their exceptional hospitality and outstanding organization, which ensured the forum’s success.