Page 14

14 OLYMPIC REVIEW Showcasing the power of sport to help build a better and more peaceful world, International Federations (IFs), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), other organisations and individuals around the world joined the IOC and the United Nations (UN) in marking the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) on 6 April. This year’s key message was the power of sport to drive social change, unite people and promote a culture of peace.The IOC showcased inspiring projects and athletes fighting for peace in Rio de Janeiro, fostering reconciliation and unity through sport in Rwanda, and a remarkable Pakistani-Indian tennis duo demonstrating how sport can transcend borders.Countries across the globe voiced their support for the IDSDP, and staged activities including conferences and seminars, sports demonstrations and activities, and inaugurations of sports facilities. In Chile, for example, a new sports centre was opened, which will benefit over 120 children from disadvantaged areas. IFs also got involved and showcased how their sports are making a positive contribution to society. For instance, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) demonstrated how it is using hockey to promote peace and well-being in communities, citing the example of the organisation of hockey tournaments at the IOC’s Sport for Hope Centre in Haiti. To mark the IDSDP, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also wrote a message urging “governments, organisations, businesses, and all actors in society to harness the values and power of sport to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. By working – and playing – together, we can create the future we want”.Below Rio-based project Fight for Peace was highlighted by the IOCIDSDP CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE WITH MESSAGES OF PEACENEWS IN BRIEFIOC signs sustainability agreement with IUCNThe IOC has signed a cooperation agreement with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to support the Candidate Cities for the 2024 Olympic Games on sustainability and conservation matters. The agreement is in line with the reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020, which places great emphasis on incorporating sustainability in all aspects of the Olympic Games. IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Sustainability is one of the key pillars of the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms. The IUCN is a leading international expert in its field, and we appreciate its technical expertise to help cities deliver sustainable Olympic Games.”IOC awards 2018-2024 broadcast rightsThe IOC has awarded Sky Network Television Ltd. the right to broadcast the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 and the Olympic Games 2024, the host city of which has yet to be elected. SKY has acquired the broadcast rights for 2018-2024 on all media platforms in New Zealand and Pacific Island Territories.IOC President Thomas Bach welcomed Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, to discuss collaboration between the IOC and the Vatican, both of which have permanent observer status in the United Nations General Assembly. The discussions centred on the first global conference on faith and sport that is scheduled to take place in October 2016. The conference, called “Sport at the Service of Humanity”, is a historic event supported by the IOC and the United Nations (UN) that will gather leaders from all areas of society and all faiths to look at how all faiths and sport can use their respective influence to promote positive values, especially among young people. It will be opened by His Holiness Pope Francis together with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the IOC President, who will deliver keynote addresses. “The first global conference on faith and sport will be the perfect opportunity to reflect how sport and its values can support social change, community development and the promotion of peace and human rights along with faith principles across all religions,” said President Bach. The conference is scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 October at the Vatican Synod Hall in Rome (Italy). In view of the conference, the IOC and the Vatican signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2015.PRESIDENT BACH DISCUSSES FIRST GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON FAITH AND SPORT