The United Nations has declared 2005 the
International Year of Sport and Physical Education
Kofi Annan says:
"Sport is an international language that can bring people together, no matter what their origin, background, religious beliefs or economic status."
"The International Year of Sport and Physical Education (IYSPE 2005) provides a unique opportunity to focus the world’s attention on the importance of sport in society and on how sport and physical education programmes can be used as tools to help combat challenges such as extreme poverty, conflict and HIV/AIDS and help achieve the Millennium Development Goals."
What do you think about the potential of sport to promote peace, to bring people of different backgrounds together?
Mary
By the way, if you are organizing an event which you believe fits the criteria of the International Year of Sport and Physical Education, you can contact the UN for sponsorship (no $$ though, just their blessings!) I got it for my Strait of Messina swim!
Parents
Former Member
Thanks Kimberlie!
I read Lynne's book too, soon after it came out last year! This is actually the kind of story I was thinking of when I opened the thread (having no idea that it would bring out such political polemics! :rolleyes: ) Lynne is a hero for me too! It's incredible what she puts her body through for scientific research and yes, to bridge gaps between societies. And, she's definitely NOT looking for glory nor the spotlight. Her motives are sincere.. perhaps even naif...
My original idea with this thread was that sports events bring together people of different countries, religions, and backgrounds in a generally friendly atmosphere (although obviously there are exceptions) and that the intermingling at these events can help us understand one another.
I guess I'm naif too, but I'm proud of that. We can't all be smart and calculating...
One positive aspect of some sports events (such as the Messina Strait Swim, and many other open water swims) is that it is open to both disabled and able-bodied athletes. My swim is non-competitive... but what disabled athletes tell me is that they enjoy competing AGAINST able-bodied athletes, rather than always being segregated into separate competitions, such as the par-olympics (though with this I certainly DON'T want to deny the importance of the par-olympics!!)
just random thoughts, that's all!
peace!! :cool:
Thanks Kimberlie!
I read Lynne's book too, soon after it came out last year! This is actually the kind of story I was thinking of when I opened the thread (having no idea that it would bring out such political polemics! :rolleyes: ) Lynne is a hero for me too! It's incredible what she puts her body through for scientific research and yes, to bridge gaps between societies. And, she's definitely NOT looking for glory nor the spotlight. Her motives are sincere.. perhaps even naif...
My original idea with this thread was that sports events bring together people of different countries, religions, and backgrounds in a generally friendly atmosphere (although obviously there are exceptions) and that the intermingling at these events can help us understand one another.
I guess I'm naif too, but I'm proud of that. We can't all be smart and calculating...
One positive aspect of some sports events (such as the Messina Strait Swim, and many other open water swims) is that it is open to both disabled and able-bodied athletes. My swim is non-competitive... but what disabled athletes tell me is that they enjoy competing AGAINST able-bodied athletes, rather than always being segregated into separate competitions, such as the par-olympics (though with this I certainly DON'T want to deny the importance of the par-olympics!!)
just random thoughts, that's all!
peace!! :cool:
