Reflections - Sport for Peace and Development

Our Olympic experience began yesterday with the Sport for Peace and Development Conference hosted by UBC and Right To Play. On the day of the Opening Ceremonies it was fitting to be reflecting on the role of sport for peace and development.

Stephen Lewis spoke about his conversion to the idea of support in the most disadvantaged places in the world; Johann Koss, founder of Right To Play had me in tears talking about the role of sport to shape human beings, and how sport and play builds hope in the most disadvantaged children. Benjamin, a young man who had spent most of his childhood in place of conflict, reminded me of the disparities of our realities.

Here I was, awaiting the evenings Opening Ceremonies with my kids, while other children were fleeing war and conflict.