Call for International Day of Sport

(ATR) World Sports leaders want to see an International Day of Sport on the calendar every year. That’s one of the recommendations from the Third International Forum on Sport for Peace and Development which took place in New York at the UN Headquarters. This marks the first Forum held at the UN Headquarters.

The biennial event lasts two days and gathers high ranking figures from the Sport for Development and Peace Movement.

This year’s forum drew 37 IOC members. It’s the biggest group of IOC members the USOC has hosted since the Salt Lake City Olympics.

The United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace, the IOC, and the USOC organized the event.

The Forum opened Wednesday with the IOC honoring UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. He received the Olympic Order for his commitment to utilizing sport for social change. It was under Ban Ki Moon’s tenure that the IOC received observer status in 2009.

IOC President Jacques Rogge delivered a keynote speech at the Forum. The trip to New York marks his final visit to the United States before he steps down in September.

"As we meet here today, sport is at work for peace and development in countries around the world," Rogge said.

"Collaboration in this area has increased dramatically and involves a wide range of committed partners. The relationship between the IOC and the UN goes back many years. Our organizations have two very different roles in society, but we share some core values."

Rogge and Ban also cut the ribbon on a permanent sport exhibition in the UN building.

"The link between sport, peace and development grows stronger by the year," said Ban.