All Black great Sean Fitzpatrick joined world sports representatives at the Vatican last week at the first-ever global conference on faith and sport
Both Fitzpatrick and Argentinian rugby star Hugo Porta spoke at the three-day conference, where the Sport in Service of Humanity project was launched.
The project aims to unite people from every faith, nationality and culture through sport.
Those present included athletes and competitors at all levels and of all ages and abilities.
Coaches, owners, managers, corporate sponsors and experts in fields ranging from sports medicine and psychology to training, discipline, education and formation attended.
Despite their different backgrounds they have a common goal – to help those who need it most, especially the marginalized and the disadvantaged.
The project also aims to encourage everyone to develop life skills, character, common values and to increase their capacity for the enjoyment of life itself.
During the week, the conference attendees met with leaders from the world’s great religious traditions to discuss how sport can be used in the service of humanity.
The conference organizers and sponsors hope to foster a worldwide movement.
They hope the movement will enrich lives by using sport to help people build trust, learn cooperation, foster friendship, live healthy lives and have fun.
Founding partner, Allianz, has encouraged the creation of the Humanity Sports Club to act initially as a motor for the movement.
The new movement’s Preamble to its Declaration of Principles states the participants’ common commitment.
This commitment is to the idea that sport has the power to celebrate our common humanity, regardless of faith, race, culture, beliefs, gender and ability.
It says sport “… can bring us together – to meet one another across borders and boundaries, to learn to compete as friends, to respect and trust one another even in opposition.”
It also says: “Sport has the power to teach positive values and enrich lives.
“Everyone who plays, organises and supports sport, has the opportunity to be transformed by it and to transform others.”
Source
- Vatican Radio
- Image: www.wvalways.com
