INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SPORTS AND PEACE: Minister Urge Sports Athlethes To Remain Steadfast And Keep Hope Alive

BY: OLATOYE OLAWALE

Youths and Sports Development Minister Mr Sunday Dare has urged Nigerian athletes to keep hope alive on the occasion of the International  Day of Sports for Development and peace despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Dare" On this historic day of the celebration  of the United Nations  International  Day of  Sports Development  and peace which is celebrated soberly  due to the Covid-19 scourge, I urge all our sportsmen and women to remain steadfast, strong and to keep hope alive.

" As athletes, you remain the beacon of hope to unite Nigerians to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Sports  and Peace.

" You must use sports to foster peace, unity and lend support to those that are down, As sportsmen and women, you have an obligation to take up the symbolic role of lifting the spirit of our fellow country men and women.

" Despite the experience the world is going through, we must not allow our spirit of unity, love, care for each other to wane.

" In our little corners, let us celebrate by getting active through exercises in our homes, a walk in the park and encouraging  each other to stay safe. When we stay together, we win together.

" In the spirit of sportsmanship, we must never give up the fight against the spread  of covid-19. This fleeting, sober moment for sports, business, social, and economic  meltdown will pass and we shall emerge victorious."

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Dare also affirmed that "Sports remains the most powerful tool that unites the world  during peace and war, and this experience  would  only strengthen  our resolve to win always. Sports fosters peace and unity, it breaks all human barriers and promotes healthy living.

" As we seek to overcome  this pandemic, let us encourage those  that have caught the virus to be strong and resolute. Together we shall overcome. I encourage every Nigerian not to allow their spirit  to be dampened, but use the occasion of the International  Day of Sports and Peace to spread the message of peace through sports."

Dare further said, "Despite the sobering moment, the world will always celebrate  the advent of the modern Olympics which concides with the world sports Day.

Sports can be used to drive change, unite the world and keep hope alive even in challenging times like this. We must not  be discouraged or disillusioned, but sustain the fight against the spread of  the virus  . When we have conquered, we shall celebrate through the vehicle of sports. My message is that we must not give up."

The United Nations had on August 23rd proclaimed April 6th of every year as the International  Day of Sports  and Peace in commemoration of the opening  date of the modern Olympics which started in Athens in 1896. This year is being celebrated without the usual fanfare due to the Covid-19 scourge.

The United Nations has urged everyone to  mark the occasion with increased  awareness about the Covid-19 pandemic  and how to stay safe.

 

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