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Physical and social transformation achieved through sport

8 August 2008

Secretary-General holds discussions with Australia's Sport Minister in China

Sport can be an avenue for physical and social transformation as it can help to develop infrastructure on the one hand, and the mind, body and spirit of individual Commonwealth citizens, on the other hand. It also promotes interaction among young people and fosters understanding among communities and cultures. Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma made these points during a meeting with Australia's Youth and Sport Minister Kate Ellis in Beijing, China, on 8 August 2008.

The Secretary-General, who is on a two-day visit to Beijing to attend the 4th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting on 9 August, said sport can help not only to build the character of sportsmen and women through discipline and fair play, but also play a role in shaping their future.

Mr Sharma and Ms Ellis agreed on the importance of Commonwealth leadership in promoting better access to sports facilities and sporting opportunities for women and young people. They also agreed on the importance of drug-free competitive sport.

The Secretary-General noted that the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation is currently funding four Regional Anti-Doping Officers as part of the World Anti-Doping Agency's network. They are based in Barbados, Fiji Islands, Kenya and Mozambique.

The Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting will be attended by more than 40 ministers who will discuss ways to promote sport as a vehicle for the promotion of peace and development. Topics on the agenda include health, social inclusion, physical education and sustainable participation in sport.

The head of the Commonwealth Advisory Board on Sport, Sue Campbell; Director-General of the World Anti-Doping Agency, David Howman; and President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Michael Fennell, will also participate in the meeting.