International Day of Sport for Development and Peace makes waves on the Gold Coast
Friday 6 April, 2018 marked International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, a day dedicated to celebrating the contribution sport makes to drive positive social change and community development around the world.
Set against the backdrop of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, diplomats, foreign policy makers, national, state and local sporting organisations joined forces to raise awareness of how sport is being used as a vehicle to promote sustainable development and social inclusion.
International panel of athletes and delegates addressing the audience at the Value of Sport: Maximsing Opportunities in the Commonwealth
Held at Commonwealth House on Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, The Value of Sport: Maximising Opportunities in the Commonwealth brought government, academic, business and sporting minds together to explore the value, power and influence sport has that extends well beyond the playing field.
International sporting events like the Commonwealth Games showcase global conversations on issues that matter, spanning from human rights and dealing with climate change. They provide the ultimate platform for promoting peace and prosperity.
The premise of the event was to challenge participants to consider how we might engage more effectively with the promise of sport to maximise opportunities for all.
Senator Bridget McKenzie
National Deputy Leader, Minister for Sport, Senator Bridget McKenzie and two-time ju-jitsu world champion and 2016 Victorian Sport Award finalist Shantelle Thompson were among a distinguished panel for the 3rd Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development: ‘Sport pays for itself in the Commonwealth’.
Shantelle Thompson debated that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in areas surrounding inclusion and diversity, and further steps needs to be taken to cater for women returning to sport after having children.
Senator Bridget McKenzie shared her thoughts on the dollar value of sport and the positive impact sport plays on the community; "The value of sport goes well beyond the thrill of watching the very best go head to head. Every dollar spent returns approximately $7 to the economy”.
Former Vicsport Board Director and current Vice President at Tennis Victoria, Emma Sherry attended the event and after listening to all points of view, concluded that; “Yes, sport does pay for itself. It was a very close call, both sides giving reasons as to how much work that needs to be done to make sport accessible and welcoming for all.”
Keep up to date with all the action from the Gold Coast and to cheer our fellow Victorians on at the Victorian Institute of Sport website.
Written by Jasmine Richwol
Communications and Marketing Manager - Vicsport
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