• WORKSHOP A: Sport as an effective tool in overcoming trauma following natural disaster

This workshop exemplify elements of capacity building among organizations dealing with post-disaster management, including strategic approaches to developing infrastructure which is sufficiently robust and adaptable to respond along with the role of impact measurement, monitoring and evaluation. There are several international NGOs which have substantial experience and expertise in helping communities recover from natural disaster. But it is only during the last decade that sport has been deployed as a tool in recovery from the associated psycho-social trauma. The ICSSPE’s successive workshops during these years, in partnership with the International Red Cross, have demonstrated the effectiveness of building capacity to use sport as soon as possible following disasters, hence building “sport capacity” among NGOs already known for their effectiveness in disaster management and amelioration. This workshop provides the opportunity to recognize best practices from previous interventions and discuss how lessons can be learned and shared among the NGOs on which disaster-struck regions depend for recovery.

• Workshop B: How can collaboration between relevant stakeholders become a reality in the field?

Developing projects in the field requires plenty of energy. In 2001, I initiated a pilot project in Burundi (Turikumwe – all together in Kirundi language), using judo as a social development tool. After 10 years, several stakeholders are cooperating successfully on behalf of this project which has now extended to additional countries. National Federations, NGOs, Governments, NOCs along with International Federations are the various stakeholders active for peace and development through sport around the world.
The work between all of these organizations can be challenging however when it can be achieved it triggers tremendous achievements to the benefit of the local population. Open discussions should take place between the above mentioned stakeholders to share best practices so that we can realize this collaboration. This will be the purpose of this workshop.

• WORKSHOP C: How can disability sport contribute to the peace-building process?

As Chairperson of the IPC Athletes Council it has become of great interest to me to draw upon the knowledge and skills of elite athletes to deliver their unique skills to the development of sport programs for people of all abilities around the world. In most cases greater impact of sport can be seen when the opportunities created are inclusive. The social and individual awareness and respect for people with disabilities is tremendous when individuals without disabilities join people with disabilities on the field of play. I have been involved with sport for people with disabilities since 1990, shortly after my injury. My journey has led me to compete in six Paralympic Games on four continents. Even from this elite level sport perspective the disparity between the resources available to athletes is readily apparent.