Sport Has ‘Unparalleled Potential’ To Boost Equality & Peace

Creating peaceful, sustainable, and healthy communities through sport was one of the many things discussed at the Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly, which was held recently in Kigali, Rwanda. The wide appeal and reach of sport was also highlighted as a key factor in the acceleration of progress, especially in areas such as gender equality and political inclusivity.

Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland said: “With the spirit of goodwill and through the respect and understanding which are signature characteristics of the Commonwealth Sport Movement, mutual encouragement flourishes across boundaries of regional and national affiliation or other allegiances of culture or identity.”

The President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Louise Martin, said: “We are 100% committed to upholding the ideals and principles that underpin our respect and protection of human rights in all that we do. It starts with our vision – to create peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities through sport.

“It is this mantra that guides the joined-up vision of Commonwealth sport. Indeed, it is a vision that underpins the Commonwealth itself – a voluntary association of 71 nations and territories. Among our membership are some of the world’s largest and smallest countries, from India, with over 1.2 billion people to Nauru with a population of 10,000. Our combined population of 2.4 billion represents a third of the world’s total population. More than 60 per cent of Commonwealth citizens are young people aged under 30.”

The 2022 Commonwealth Games was singled out by delegates as an example of how sport can contribute towards the Commonwealth’s values and principles. The Games in Birmingham, UK, will feature more women’s medals events than men’s and will see the largest para-sport program in Commonwealth Games history.