Washington DC, 7 April 2023 (TDI): The United States (US) Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, released a statement about the US commitment and pledge to the promotion of Sports for Development and Peace on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
Sports can bring out the best in us and bring us together. On the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, we commend the @sportsdiplomacy Envoys, and former Envoys like Ambassador Kwan, who are taking sports to new levels to connect and build bridges. pic.twitter.com/1HIdXk0N2V
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 6, 2023
He recognized the power of sports to unite people from different backgrounds and promote peace and development around the world.
In his statement, Secretary Blinken praised the work of the US Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy program and its envoys, including former envoy Ambassador Kwan, for their efforts to use sports as a tool for diplomacy and outreach.
“Sports can bring out the best in us and bring us together,” said Secretary Blinken. “Through sports diplomacy, we can build bridges, foster understanding, and promote mutual respect and cooperation among nations.”
Notably, the US Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy program has a long history of using sports to engage with people around the world.
Also, the program sends envoys to countries to work with local organizations, schools, and communities to promote sports and physical activity and address social and economic challenges.
Also Read: Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20I series: Significance of Cricket Diplomacy
For the information, Former envoy Ambassador Kwan has been a leader in this effort, working to promote women’s sports and empower girls and women through sports programs in countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Furthermore, Secretary Blinken also highlighted the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris as an opportunity for sports diplomacy, where athletes from around the world will come together to compete and promote international understanding and goodwill.
“As we look forward to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, we see an opportunity to celebrate the power of sports to promote peace and understanding,” said Secretary Blinken.
“We will continue to use sports diplomacy as a tool to connect with people around the world, build relationships, and promote a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.”
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is observed every year on 6 April to recognize the power of sports to promote positive social change and development and to highlight the important role of sports in promoting physical and mental health.
