In 2005 the United
Nations stated that it would devote an entire year to the power of
sport and physical education. The United Nations wanted to focus
the world’s attention on the vital role sport in today’s global
society. Sport and physical education are powerful tools that can
be used as a platform to educate on such issues as conflict in war
zones, ending poverty, and how to promote healthy preventative measures
for combating HIV/AIDS.
Some
primary goals of the International Year of Sport and Physical Education
(IYSPE) are the promotion of the concept of inclusion so that
groups marginalized on the basis of race, religion, gender, sex,
disability, social status and health status can experience equality and
freedom. Another important theme is that of boys and girls being
able to take control of their own bodies. The overarching
goal of IYSPE is to link with the Millenium Development Goals.
For more information on the MDG’s click here. http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/
With 2005 having passed it is important for us not to forget the
power of sport as an educational tool. The United Nations
Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) has created an innovative and
interactive, youth engagement programme, Sport-in-a-Box, to celebrate and continue the legacy of the International Year of Sport and Physical Education.
For more on the outcomes of IYSPE click here: http://www.un.org/sport2005/a_year/ayear_for.html
