The Play for the Planet initiative brings together hundreds of children from schools and communities, particularly in underprivileged areas, to engage in sports, mainly soccer and tennis and on environmental activities. The initiative is also used to fundraise to support projects by children in underprivileged society.
Between 2003 and 2006, annual football events have been held in Nairobi with children from underprivileged communities and UN staff members and their families to raise environmental awareness.
In April 2007, UNEP organized a Play for the Planet event in Mombasa, Kenya. It involved several corporate organizations in tree planting, beach soccer and volleyball tournaments. The proceeds from the event were used to support projects in Kibera – one of Africa’s largest slums. The Mombasa event was organized in collaboration with the Mavuno Foundation and the Global Development of Peaceful Environments (GDPE).