Sports can play important role in promoting peace, says UN

(Feb.17,2009):- The role of sport in promoting peace was discussed by the United Nations envoy tasked with promoting sport for development when he attended the Special Olympic World Winter Games. Wilfried Lemke, the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser held talks with United States Vice-President Joseph Biden in Boise, Idaho, on 12 February, where they discussed the part that sport can play in peacekeeping operations in conflict areas. Prior to their meeting, the two men, along with former US and world figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, handed out the medals for this year's skating portion of the Winter Games.
Before arriving in Boise, Mr. Lemke visited a rehabilitation centre in Cairo, Egypt, of the non-governmental organization CARITAS Internationals, which aims to reintegrate people with mental disabilities into society. “Through sport, the children are gaining confidence about their abilities, strengths and competencies,” the Special Adviser, who played soccer, basketball and handball during his visit, said. “This makes them proud and self-confident, a fundamental precondition for successful reintegration into society,” he added.