Top UN sports envoy attends Special Olympics

The United Nations envoy tasked with promoting sport for development attended the Special Olympic World Winter Games, holding talks with United States Vice-President Joseph Biden on the role of sport in promoting peace.

Wilfried Lemke, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser, met with Mr. Biden in Boise, Idaho, on 12 February, where they discussed the part that sport can play in peacekeeping operations in conflict areas.

Prior to their meeting, the two mean, along with former US and world figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, handed out the medals for this year's skating portion of the Winter Games.

Before arriving in Boise, Mr. Lemke visited a rehabilitation centre in Cairo, Egypt, of the non-governmental organization CARITAS International, which aims to reintegrate people with mental disabilities into society.

“Through sport the children are gaining confidence about their abilities, strengths and competencies,” the Special Adviser, who played soccer, basketball and handball during his visit, said. “This makes them proud and self-confident, a fundamental precondition for successful reintegration into society.”