(ATR) IOC member from Monaco Prince Albert joined Nobel Peace Prize winners and Olympians to open the 9th Peace and Sport International Forum.
A symbolic Peace Walk took place on a blustery and chilly Wednesday evening in Monte Carlo. Prince Albert was accompanied by international sports stars including Yelena Isinbayeva, Paula Radcliffe and Wilson Kipketer, cyclist Philippe Gilbert, tennis player Tatiana Golovin and rugby players Imanol Harinordoquy, Jean-François Tordo and Dan Luger.
The sporting icons were joined by politicians from around the globe and three Nobel Peace Prize winners: Abdessatar Ben Moussa, Mohammed Fadhel Mahfoudh and Ouided Bouchamaoui, who walked together in a demonstration of upholding the values of peace.
Prince Albert addressed delegates at the opening ceremony of the forum taking place at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. "We, who believe in the virtues of sport, know its capacity to forge, re-establish and strengthen ties," he said. "We know that it’s a value that we must invest more into, a sure value that can help to originate a more peaceful way of life.
"For this reason, I particularly admire the concrete initiatives that Peace and Sport brings to light, which show that it works, and I encourage Joel Bouzou and his team to continue in the same direction – the right one - by pledging the support of the Monaco Government."
Bouzou, an Olympic medalist in modern pentathlon who founded Peace and Sport in 2007, also addressed the delegates. He emphasizedthe increasing importance of sports' role amid the political and economic turmoil around the world.
"Peace is being threatened and sport must get mobilized to open new avenues," Bouzou said. "Recent events over the last year, and even the last few days, are full of teachings. Our certitudes have been questioned and our future is full of misgivings and doubts.
"But these uncertain times also bring new, positive and unexpected dynamics. A fresh kind of citizen’s movement is developing, which involves being part of decisions," he said. "And sport has its place here - demonstration by proof is a principle that Peace and Sport has been committed to for several years."
The theme of this year’s forum is ‘Game On For Peace: Mobilizing Global Change through Sport.’ The five topics for debate are: sport diplomacy, long-term sport legacies, gender equity in sport, social integration of refugees, and peace through sport in the digital era.
Hungarian IOC memberPal Schmitt opened and moderated the first session on Thursday, which was titled "Breaking Down Sport Through Sport Diplomacy".
"Sport can improve and contribute to an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding among people and nations," he said.
The annual Peace and Sport awards will be held on Thursday evening, recognizing and rewarding organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to peace and social reform in the world through sport.
The forum concludes Friday.
Reported by Brian Pinelli in Monaco
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