Social and citizenship skills development through university sports initiatives: an SDG approach

Authors

  • Carlos Alcívar Trejo Universidad TECNOLÓGICA ECOTEC .
  • José Albert-Márquez UNIVERSIDAD DE CORDOBA ESPAÑA
  • Juan Tarquino Calderon Cisneros Universidad Estatal de Milagro (UNEMI)
  • Glécia Morgana da Silva Marinho Universidad Portucalense Infante D. Henrique. (Portugal)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v63.104844

Keywords:

Citizenship, social skills, sports initiatives, sustain-able development goals, universities

Abstract

Introduction. The development of social and civic skills in university students is an essential component for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). University sports initiatives provide an ideal space for fostering key social and civic competencies. Objective. The study aimed to analyze how sports initiatives in universities contribute to the development of social and civic skills within the framework of the SDGs, highlighting the benefits associated with these activities. Methodology. Using a descriptive methodological approach, the study evaluated the impact of university-community engagement initiatives on promoting sports as a tool for social integration. Results. The findings showed that university sports initiatives significantly promote skills such as teamwork, assertive communication, conflict resolution, and social responsibility. Additionally, a positive correlation was identified between active participation in these activities and students' commitment to SDG values such as gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainability. Discussion. The results align with previous studies highlighting the transformative role of sports in education. However, gaps were identified in the implementation of sustainable sports programs, particularly in low-resource contexts, which limits their reach and effectiveness in some institutions. Conclusions. The findings indicate that such initiatives contribute to social cohesion and promote the development of civic skills, fostering a society of peace and social justice. This corroborates the relevance of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals into higher education.

Author Biographies

  • Carlos Alcívar Trejo, Universidad TECNOLÓGICA ECOTEC .
    Professor - Full Time at the Faculty of Law and Governance - In-Person TECNOLÓGICA ECOTEC University PhD. (C) UNIVERSITY OF CORDOBA SPAIN, in Social and Legal Sciences
  • José Albert-Márquez, UNIVERSIDAD DE CORDOBA ESPAÑA
    Doctor in Social and Legal Sciences DEAN OF THE Faculty of Law and CC.EE. and Business, University of Córdoba, Córdoba-Spain.
  • Juan Tarquino Calderon Cisneros, Universidad Estatal de Milagro (UNEMI)
    Statistical and Computer Engineer, Specialist in Educational and Social Development Projects, Master in Higher Education, Master in Advanced Multivariate Data Analysis, PhD.in Applied Multivariate Statistics at the University of Salamanca Spain (USAL). Professor of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the State University of Milagro (UNEMI),  Researcher–Accredited–Senescyt-Reg-Inv:18-02756; Coordinator of the Academic Network "Multivariate Statistical Tools for Big Data Analysis". No. Senescyt-2018-040_ Reg-Red –18-0011 Associate Professor 1 UNEMI Researcher – Accredited – Senescyt-Reg-Inv:18-02756 Coordinator of the Academic Network "Multivariate Statistical Tools for Big Data Analysis". No. Senescyt-2018-040_ Reg-Red –18-0011. Research ID: K-6083-2014 Scopus Author ID: 57204238028
  • Glécia Morgana da Silva Marinho, Universidad Portucalense Infante D. Henrique. (Portugal)
    Graduated in Law from the University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR) and in History from the State University of Ceará (UECE); PhD candidate in Legal Sciences by Pontifical Catholic University of Sta. Ma. of Buenos Aires (UCA); Specialist in Constitutional Law (Universidade Candido Mendes – UCAM), International Law and International Relations (UNIFOR). Postgraduate in Inclusive Education (emphasis on gifted/high abilities and autism spectrum) and in History of Brazil (Institute of Applied Theology – INTA); Technician in conflict mediation (Columbia University). morganamarinho@uca.edu.ar Orcid- 0000-0001-9224-1896 Web of Science ResearcherIDJNT-5387-2023

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Published

04-02-2025

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Section

Original Research Article

How to Cite

Alcívar Trejo, C., Albert-Márquez, J., Calderon Cisneros, J. T., & da Silva Marinho, G. M. (2025). Social and citizenship skills development through university sports initiatives: an SDG approach . Retos, 63, 556-566. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v63.104844