2016 "ground-breaking" year for the UN global goals and sport


2016 is a "ground-breaking" year for the UN global goals and sport, a senior adviser has said on the International Sport for Peace Day observed Wednesday.

The UN has long recognized the right to sport and physical education as a fundamental right.

It's also a powerful tool that unites people, promotes equality and equity.

Let's play for the sustainable development goals, urged Wilfried Lemke, the Special Adviser for the Secretary-General on Sport in a recent video message.

A digital campaign was launched ahead of the Day by the UN Office on Sport for Peace and Development (UNOSDP) asking the public to show their support.

"Not only does health improve health and well-being, it also instills positive values that stimulate and facilitate personal and social development. Sport is universal. It transcends differences and promotes inclusion and equality." Mr Lemke

He urged the international community to come together to promote programs on the ground that use sport to facilitate development and peace.


SOURCE: Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.