The World Youth Forum on Sport, Culture and Peace jointly held by UNESCO, Nanjing Youth Olympic Games Organizing Committee and All-China Youth Federation, was held in Nanjing on August 26th.
Participants from around the world participated in the Nanjing Initiative, calling for the continuation of the messages projected by the Nanjing YOG. In addition to paying attention to how sports can influence the world, the forum also emphasized how sports can reshape personal lives.
Jeanne Claudette Bouesse Makila, head of the Congo YOG delegation, said that she was very excited to see the Congo booth in the Youth Olympic Village. This booth did not only accurately reflect the characteristics of Congo, but also helped athletes from around the world gather a better understanding of her country. She said that the YOG stretches far beyond the mere competitive sporting events.
16 year-old Tan Yan from Boston, U.S., said that when he visited Kenya, he realized that sport is a powerful, universal language. After racing against the local, Kenyan children, he felt a close, instant connection to them. Through this trip to Kenya, this young man’s eyes were opened to another world and a newfound mission. He said that many Chinese children are very concerned by their school records. He hopes that through the Nanjing YOG, their perspectives on the world will be broadened.
Sport is also improving the situations of marginalized and disadvantaged groups. Cynthia from Kenya, who works for a public welfare organization called “boxing girls”, believes that sport is a good way to helping girls improve their self-defense skills. She has seen countless girls become confident because they were able to develop this important skill. She believes that only with confidence will they have the power to truly express themselves.
According to UNESCO, the suggestion to hold the Summer Youth Festival every two years has been adopted and will be implemented.
