UN Declaration on Sport a Major Step Forward, Commonwealth Games Canada Says

OTTAWA, NOVEMBER 5, 2003 - Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) welcomes the UN Resolution that acknowledges the power of sport to promote development, education, health, and peace.

For over 15 years, CGC has placed a priority on its international programs utilizing sport as a development tool. CGC recognizes the powerful impact of these programs in communities around the world.

Unanimously passed on Monday in New York, the UN Resolution proclaims 2005 as the International Year for Sport and Physical Education; calls upon the UN General Assembly to urge governments and international sport bodies to assist developing countries in building capacity in sport and physical education; recognizes sport’s contribution to fostering values that are essential to social cohesion and intercultural dialogue; urges recognition of the contribution of sport and physical activity to economic and social development and the building of sports infrastructures; and encourages the United Nations to develop strategic partnerships with sport’s stakeholders and the private sector.

“This very important UN Resolution reflects the growing commitment around the world to development through sport, recognizes the positive power of sport, and demonstrates the growing mobilization of many people,” said Dr. Bruce Kidd, chair of CGC’s International Development through Sport Unit (IDS). “The resolution is in line with CGC’s own leadership in sport as a development tool, strengthening sport systems by developing and supporting local leaders, infrastructure, and democratic governance in Commonwealth countries in Southern Africa and the Caribbean.”

The Government of Canada, a committed supporter of sport as a development tool, also welcomes the UN Resolution.

"The United Nations designation of 2005 as the International Year for Sport and Physical Education provides a focal point for Canada and countries around the world to ensure that sport and physical activity play an important role in our lives," said Secretary of State (Physical Activity and Sport) Paul DeVillers. "The Government of Canada recognizes the vital role that sport and physical activity play in human development. In fact, the Government of Canada endorsed the Canadian Sport Policy and passed an Act to Promote Physical Activity and Sport, demonstrating our commitment to encouraging, promoting, and developing physical activity and sport in Canada."

Among the many IDS success stories are Kicking AIDS Out, a program in Zambia that tackles the HIV/AIDS pandemic through sport; the PAY (Physically Active Youth) program in Zambia that combines sport with an informal tutoring system to help participants stay in school; Project Strong, a St. Kitts initiative that provides youth at risk with sport and vocational training; and Healthy Lifestyles, which has reached over 5,000 young women in the Caribbean.

Commonwealth Games Canada is a national not-for-profit association that strengthens sport within Canada and throughout the Commonwealth by participation in the Commonwealth Games and by using sport as a development tool.

Media Contact:

Karen O’Neill
Chief Executive Officer
Commonwealth Games Canada
Tel: (613) 244-6868
E-mail: koneill@commonwealthgames.ca

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