International Forum Highlights Sport and Peace in Lausanne

“The forum in Lausanne was a chance for the international sporting community to meet and discuss the future possibilities of all athletes, including in Paralympic Sport,” Sir Philip said.

From 7-8 May, the first International Forum on Sport, Peace and Development brought in almost 250 representatives from the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and the academic world, including International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven. Other attendees were International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge, HRH Prince Faisal Al Hussein of Jordan, CEO of the Vancouver Organizing Committee of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games (VANOC) John Furlong, and President of the International Council on Sport Sciences and Physical Education (ICSSPE) Margaret Talbot.

The programme included sessions focusing on promoting a culture of peace among young people, the potential of sport in the search for peace and development, the promotion of education and healthy lifestyles through sport, and the Games: legacy for education, development and peace. The final session focused on capitalizing on partnerships and networking.

IPC President Sir Philip Craven moderated a session titled “Sport for community and youth development”. Sir Philip saw the forum as a great opportunity to emphasize the importance of the Paralympic Movement.

“The forum in Lausanne was a chance for the international sporting community to meet and discuss the future possibilities of all athletes, including in Paralympic Sport,” Sir Philip said. “I had the pleasure of moderating the third session and presenting topics like the incredible growth that the Paralympic Movement has undergone over the last year, as well as the much-anticipated year that is ahead.”

The six main themes on the programme for the participants were also available on the internet for visitors from all around the world.

For more information about the International Forum on Sport for Peace and Development, please visit www.olympic.org.