“Sport should be encouraged by the Commonwealth of Nations”
July 24This week governments will meet in London to consider how sport can contribute to advancing vital development goals. The 6th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting will review how all types of games can address social and economic challenges and promote global public health.
But why is sport so important for national development? According to Fale Lesa, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Zealand, it can be instrumental in the transformation of local and national communities.
In 2010, the inaugural FIFA Pacific Youth and Sports Conference was launched in Auckland, New Zealand. The conference represented a partnership between various stakeholders in the region whose common goal was to assemble young people together to see how sport can improve individuals and communities.
I was invited to host my very own workshop at the initiative and spoke highly of the potential of this partnership and how it can be instrumental in the transformation of our local and national communities.
I believe that by reinforcing youth and sport networks we increase participation of young people in civic society through community camaraderie, and build structures for youth associations, government institutions and sports organisations to operate at more intimate levels.
This to me can contribute to the shaping and moulding of national development strategies and should be encouraged by the Commonwealth of Nations.
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About me:
I am an international diplomat having represented the New Zealand youth sector in a host of international initiatives. The completion of my tertiary education at the University of Auckland (BA/LLB) will usher in a professional dedication to diplomacy and foreign affairs.
My interests include community development, foreign affairs, globalisation, youth empowerment, reading (non-fiction/fiction as well as current affairs), creative/critical writing, chess, debating, history, linguistics and social interaction. My passion for writing has led me to this forum.
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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?
To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/commonwealthcorrespondents/
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