Joël Bouzou, President of Peace and Sport closed the 6th Peace and Sport International Forum,
the first in a new era, in front of a prestigious international audience

Sochi, Russia, 2 November, 2012 – with close to 70 nations represented including 35 governments, the 6th Peace and Sport International Forum which ends today in Russia has shown the momentum of the peace through sport movement and its ability to conquer new territories.

The Forum, which took place for the first time in history outside the Principality of Monaco, once again attracted the global peace through sport community, forging stronger relations with political representatives and athletes from around the world and instigating tangible initiatives for peace over the coming months. The Forum in Sochi leaves a unique heritage to Russia, a country which has been integrating peace through sport in its decision-making for the last 2 years so that this forum could be organized.

Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport declared in his closing speech: "It was a major challenge and I can proudly say today that it was a successful challenge. The Peace and Sport community becomes more enriched from year to year and projects are proliferating. By organizing the 6th Forum outside of our Monaco cradle, in a Russia in full evolution, we have embarked on a new era for our movement.

More than ever, we are determined to convince decision makers around the world, and in particular the private sector, to become committed alongside us. In pushing the boundaries, we discover new horizons and we set ourselves a new more ambitious goal: to give sport the place it deserves in society.” 

The peace through sport movement continues its headway forward. In April 2013, Peace and Sport will organize its first regional Forum in Dubai aimed at decision-makers from the Middle East. Others will follow. The organization is also developing regional hubs in the United States, China and France.

The Forum which ends today in Sochi lasted 3 days. It was praised by Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation and Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General.

In a telegram sent to Forum organizers and delegates, Vladimir Putin declared:

“We are proud that such a respectable forum is being held in our nation….We are all united by an understanding of the enormous social and cultural significance of sports and the Olympic movement for the modern world. We know how important it is to engage young people in sports culture and teach them the value of a healthy lifestyle. ……I am certain that this forum will live up to its high level of prestige, making a significant input into strengthening international cooperation in sports and promoting the noble Olympic ideals.”

A message from Ban Ki-moon sent to delegates at the Forum stated:

“I am pleased to greet this impressive gathering of friends of sport at the Peace and Sport International Forum in Sochi…….Sport gives us access to a large and diverse sample of populations and the opportunity to foster a culture of peace on a broad basis. Sport’s values and norms help build tolerant societies…….I thank you for your leadership.”

Caroline Duboc

Peace and Sport Forum Media Officer

M: + 79298543597

E: carolineduboc@gmail.com