UN chief calls for strengthening role of sport in communities

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Monday called for a strengthened role of sport in communities around the world to help achieve sustainable progress and change.

"Sport has the power to help develop the potential of individuals, communities and nations," said Ban in his message on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which fell on Monday. "It encourages personal growth, is a major force in eliminating gender barriers and can build bridges across lines that might otherwise divide."

Ban noted that sport can help vulnerable groups in society, especially young people and persons with disabilities, through engaging them in physical education program and sporting activities.

In this regard, "sport nurtures society by creating a culture in which fundamental values such as equality, the acceptance of rules, mutual respect and fairness are appreciated," said Ban.

Wilfried Lemke, Ban's Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace, said sport has established itself as an effective tool for development and peace-building in his video message on the day.

He also encouraged stakeholders, including governments, the UN system, international, regional and national sports organizations, to continue joining efforts to place sport in policies and programs relating to education, health, development and peace consolidation.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was established to raise the awareness of the potential of sport in contributing towards UN's objectives for development and peace.

This year, the UN Office on Sport for Development and Peace ( UNOSDP) launched a video contest to ask people share their stories on how they are using sport to make impact on their communities. Endite