Chairman of the Istanbul 2020 Bid Committee, Hasan Arat, is returning from the 3rd International Forum on Sport for Peace and Development at the United Nations headquarters in New York, following several days of speeches and meetings he described as "a fantastic learning experience at a crucial time for our bid".
The Forum’s primary objective was to highlight the successes and challenges of using sport as a tool for social development and peace promotion. Speakers included UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon; IOC President, Dr Jacques Rogge; UK Minister for Sport and Tourism, Hugh Robertson; and President of the International Paralympic Committee, Sir Philip Craven.
Hasan Arat said:
"The theme for the UN Forum was "Creating a Common Vision", and that could not be more relevant for the people of Istanbul right now. As the predominantly peaceful protests continue in Turkey, sport can be a tool for bringing opposing groups together in peaceful and productive dialogue. Listening to the world’s leading authorities in harnessing the power of sport and Olympism has been a fantastic learning experience at a crucial time for our bid.
"Istanbul 2020 has been our nation’s "Common Vision" for 20 years, and that is no less true today. All recent polls have shown an overwhelming majority in favour of bringing the Games to Turkey for the first time. I am confident that in the coming days and weeks, our Olympic bid will continue to be a unifying force."
For more information, please contact the Istanbul 2020 media team: media@istanbul2020.com.tr
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