Dr. Chow Invites International Sports Federations to Closer Cooperation

In Osaka, Japan, delegates of 80 international sports organizations, members of GAISF (General Association of International Sports Federations), met for the 33rd GAISF Congress and General Assembly. At the present time, GAISF is the sole forum bringing together the whole of sports organizations to exchange viewpoints on themes of common interest once a year.

One major topic of the gathering was the relationship between Regional and Multisports Games and the International Federations of each sport. In his opening address, Dr. Un Yong Kim, President of GAISF, stressed the necessity to have a platform to improve the cooperation between all organizations involved in the preparation of these Games. In addition, one session was dedicated to the role of volunteers in the international sports movement.

IPC was given the opportunity to introduce Paralympic sport to the conference participants. In his presentation, IPC Vice President Dr. York Chow encouraged the International Federations to cooperate with the IPC more closely in regard to joint World Championships. Whereas some Paralympic sports are totally incorporated in the International Federation like Wheelchair Tennis is part of the International Tennis Federations, others only have a weak relationship that needs to be strengthened. Consequently, Chow addressed the delegates: "Why are we not getting together and celebrate excellence at championships that include competitions for high profile disabled and non-disabled athletes? The demonstration events that have taken place at many world and regional championships have for sure enriched these events. One example are the Athletic World Championships in Seville, where several races of blind athletes took place."

Later, the Sydney Paralympic Organizing Committee's Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lois Appelby, informed the delegates about the next Paralympic Summer Games and convinced the delegates of the high standard and extremely professional quality sporting events for disabled athletes can have. She updated her audience on issues like ticketing, transport and the host broadcaster situation.

During their stay in Osaka, Dr. Chow and IPC Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Reinecke, visited the Osaka Sports Center for the Disabled. Reinecke was very impressed by the facilities: "Every athlete with a disability would dream of such training opportunities. The sports services provided here are outstanding." The center consists for instance of a table tennis room, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a fitness training room, bowling facilities, a gymnasium and a playground for kids.

World Summit Calls for Government Action in Physical Education and Sport

The first ever World Summit on Physical Education was organized by the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE) from November 3-5, 1999 in Berlin, Germany. More than 250 delegates from more than 78 countries participated. The main results were compiled in the Results and Recommendations of the World Summit on Physical Education and were presented as an official working document to the 3rd International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials responsible for the Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS III) which took place in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from November 30 - December 3, 1999. MINEPS III was attended by delegates from 65 countries and 38 organizations, e.g. the IOC and the Council of Europe. At the end of MINEPS III the delegates adopted the Declaration of Punta del Este which will constitute the blueprint for UNESCO's action in the field of physical education and sport - also with regard to persons with a disability - in the coming years.

The Berlin Agenda for Action for Government Ministers

The World Summit on Physical Education reinforces the importance of Physical Education as a life-long process. It is particularly important for every child as articulated in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. All children have a right to: (1) the highest level of health; (2) free and compulsory primary education for both cognitive and physical development; (3) rest and leisure; play and recreation.

The Berlin Agenda Calls for Action by Governments and Ministeries Responsible for Education and Sport:

• implement policies for Physical Education as a human right for all children;
• recognise that quality Physical Education depends on well-qualified educators and scheduled time within the curriculum, both of which are possible to provide even when other resources like equipment are in short supply; (...)
• support research to improve the effectiveness and quality of Physical Education; (...)
• recognise the distinctive role of Physical Education in health, overall development and safe, supportive communities;
• recognise that failure to provide Physical Education costs more in health care than the investment needed for Physical Education;

Why Take these Actions? Quality Physical Education:

• is the most effective and inclusive means of providing all children, whatever their ability/disability, sex, age, cultural, race/ethnicity, religious or social background, with the skills, attitudes, values, knowledge and understanding for life long participation in physical activity and sport;
• helps to ensure integrated and rounded development of mind, body and spirit; (...)
• helps children to develop the patterns of and interest in physical activity, which areessential for healthy development and which lay the foundations for adult healthy lifestyles;
• helps children to develop respect for the body - both their own and others'; (...)
• contributes to childrenÔs confidence and self esteem;
• enhances social development by preparing children to cope with competition, winning and losing; and co-operation and collaboration (...)

The full text of the Berlin Agenda for Action and of the Declaration of Punta des Este can be found in the current affairs section of the IPC website. A hard copy can be ordered from: International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE), Am Kleinen Wannsee 6 - 14109 Berlin, Germany, Tel. +49 30 805 00360, Fax +49 30 805 6386, Email:icsspe@icsspe.org