Teams debate the power of sport at the Commonwealth Secretariat

A spirited debate, shipped by passionate sports and health and fitness specialists, motivated strong discussions among the the audience collected at Marlborough Residence, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and individuals gathered online.

The occasion was the 7th staging of the Commonwealth Debate on Sport and Sustainable Development, hosted in collaboration with the College of Edinburgh, on April 4th. The occasion looked whether sport ought to lead to actual physical, psychological and environmental overall health.

Just about every yr, the Commonwealth debate commemorates the Global Day of Sport for Enhancement and Peace in progress of the day which was 1st recognised by the United Nations (UN) as 6 April in 2013. The UN-led topic for this calendar year is ‘Scoring for Folks and the Planet’.

Just one of the aims of the occasion is to convey interest to the contribution activity and physical activity makes to schooling, human progress and healthy existence, as well as in constructing tranquil and inclusive communities. 

Commonwealth Secretary-Basic, the Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland KC, underscored the importance of activity to the advancement of the Commonwealth. She claimed:

“Activity lifts us up, raises our coronary heart charges, inspires us, unites us. In several methods, sport is a Commonwealth characteristic – and we all saw that unity and reason on screen at the Commonwealth Video games in Birmingham last calendar year.

Sport styles, and reflects, our societies. This is a issue which was recognised unequivocally by our Heads of Government at CHOGM final 12 months, and by Sports Ministers in Birmingham.”

The Secretary-Common also thanked other stakeholders, in particular the University of Edinburgh who co-hosted the discussion.   She also acknowledged Anne Wafula Strike MBE, the Commonwealth Winner for Equality in Athletics, for her continued commitment and advocacy to the sporting activities sector.

Director and Chair of Sport at the University of Edinburgh, Professor Grant Jarvie, who also moderated the Commonwealth Debate on Activity and Sustainable Growth, spoke about the collaboration:

“The University of Edinburgh is honoured to be invited to companion with the Commonwealth Secretariat in supporting this worldwide debate which will amplify advocacy endeavours and boost recognition of the contribution sport can make to some of society’s most urgent concerns.

Our study has highlighted it is clearer than ever that sport has the possible to be a strong platform for addressing broad challenges.”

Two teams argued the movement, ‘A compassionate sporting activities sector need to enable the cost for a healthier head, overall body and planet.’ Right after retreating to evaluate the arguments and efficiency of the teams carefully, the panel of adjudicators led by the Commonwealth Video games Federation (CGF) determined that the group arguing ‘for’ the movement won the discussion.

The team arguing for the movement bundled Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sporting activities from The Gambia, Claire Poole, the Founder and CEO of Activity Optimistic Melissa Wilson, Co-Founder of Athletes of the Entire world and Dr Walker Ross, Lecturer, Moray Property Faculty of Education and learning and Activity, University of Edinburgh.

Professor Corinne Reid, Professorial Fellow with the Global Well being Academy and the Academy of Sport, University of Edinburgh, was the initial speaker for the workforce against the movement. Also on that workforce were Dr Ellen Barnie Peprah, Health practitioner and Coordinator of the Commonwealth Wellness Youth Community, Hayley Jarvis, Head of Physical Action at Head and Dr William Chicken, Standard Practitioner and CEO of Smart Wellbeing.

Anne Wafula Strike MBE, the Secretary-General’s Winner for Equality in Activity, claimed:

“A compassionate sports activities sector is absolutely a robust begin to bringing all stakeholders alike to the desk to tackle the barriers we encounter on our actual physical, mental and environmental health and fitness.”  

The discussion was spearheaded by the Activity for Advancement and Peace group. The group supports member countries in their endeavours to use the power of sport to supply nationwide targets and the UN Sustainable Enhancement Plans.

The staff supports member countries with ability setting up system, developing toolkits that enrich the contribution of activity to the SDGs, plan growth, and interweaving activity for advancement into work getting completed by other teams in the Secretariat and associate organisations. 

Watch the comprehensive debate 

Media get in touch with

• Amy Coles  Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
• E-mail