UN Chief Says Sport Gives Hope for Better Future

United Nations (PNA/Xinhua) — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday highlighted the role of sport in achieving development and peace to mark the second International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

“Sport plays an important role in society. This year we are encouraging all sportsmen and women to throw their energy into advocating the new sustainable development agenda of the United Nations,” said Ban.

In August 2013, the UN General Assembly established April 6 as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to commemorate the first opening of the Olympic Games in 1896. This year’s celebrations were held Wednesday.

“Sport encourages individuals to take on challenges, build strong relationships and strive with others towards shared goals,” he said. “It can help keep kids in school, promote leadership skills and healthy lifestyles, and empower marginalized people.”

And at times of conflict and unrest, sport can help provide victims with space to heal and grow, he added.

“This year, when the Ebola epidemic erupted in West Africa, FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association, helped turn stadiums into treatment locations, such as Monrovia’s Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Liberia,” Ban said.

“Let us use sport to leave a transformative and sustainable legacy for our children and grandchildren. It is their motivational appeal that gives hope and helps improve the lives of many,” Ban said.

In the lead-up to the second International Day, a video contest was launched to call on people and organizations to share their stories on how they are using sport to make an impact in their communities, in a bid to raise awareness and celebrate sport’s role in driving social change. (PNA/Xinhua) FPV/EBP