sports

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, holding Olympic torch, is flanked by Amb. Mark Lyall Grant of the United Kingdom (right) and Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes.
UN Photo/Evan Schneider

At UN and Olympics exhibition, Ban highlights role of sports in advancing shared goals for peace

18 December 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recalled today the “many powerful emotions” experienced on 26 July 2012 – the day he took part in the torch run for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in support of the Olympic Truce – and voiced hope that future international sporting events would continue to promote the goal of global peace.
From left: Francesco Toldo, Special Adviser Wilfried Lemke, Amb. Cesare Maria Ragaglini and Luís Figo.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas

Soccer stars help launch partnership between UN and Inter Milan to help young people

28 November 2012
Soccer stars Luis Figo and Francesco Toldo were at the United Nations today for the launch of a new partnership between the world body and the charitable organization Inter Campus, which the Italian soccer team Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan) runs to help disadvantaged youth.
International Judo Federation (IJF) President Marius L. Vizer (left) and UN Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace Wilfried Lemke sign partnership in Abu Dhabi.
IJF

UN partners with International Judo Federation to promote positive social change

12 October 2012
A partnership to promote the impact of judo in bringing about positive social change was signed today between the United Nations and International Judo Federation (IJF), on the sidelines of the Judo Grand Prix, taking place in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa prior to the 2010 World Cup kick-off.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

South Africa’s carbon footprint during World Cup year lower than projected – UN report

10 October 2012
South Africa’s carbon footprint for 2010, the year it hosted the football World Cup, was lower than previously expected, says a new United Nations report, which highlights the successes and lessons that other countries must learn to ensure the sustainability of major international sporting events.
Sierra Leonean amputees take part in football exhibition game.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

UN official hails 2012 Paralympic Games as celebration of inclusion

29 August 2012
With the 2012 London Paralympic Games only hours away from their torch-lighting ceremony, a senior United Nations official has lauded the sporting event for its celebration of inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace Wilfried Lemke.
UNOSDP/K&W Bringmeier

UN envoy on sport for peace praises ‘exemplary’ Summer Olympics

13 August 2012
The United Nations envoy on sport for peace today lauded the London 2012 Olympic Games for their remarkable displays of athletic achievement, as well as for paving the road for future successes in promoting social change in a range of areas, from gender equality to peace building.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (second from right), holding the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Secretary-General to take part in London Olympics torch run

24 July 2012
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will head later this week to London, where he will take part in the torch run for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games on Thursday and attend the opening ceremony on Friday, his spokesperson announced today.
Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace Wilfried Lemke.
UNOSDP/K&W Bringmeier

UN envoy on sport for peace lauds Saudi decision on female athletes at Olympics

12 July 2012
The United Nations envoy on sport for peace today welcomed the decision made by Saudi Arabia to send female athletes to London to compete in the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
UN Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace, Wilfried Lemke, and Gwangju Mayor and GUOC Co-Chairman, Kang Un-Tae at the signing of the agreement.
UNOSDP

UN and 2015 Universiade organizers aim to promote dialogue through sport

11 July 2012
The United Nations and the organisers of the 2015 Universiade – an international sporting and cultural event for university students, which will be held in the Republic of Korea – have signed a partnership agreement which aims to support the attainment and awareness of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as to promote dialogue and mutual understanding through sport.
UN Photo/Shareef Sarhan
UN Photo/Shareef Sarhan

UN backs initiative that would allow female soccer players to wear headscarves

29 February 2012
A top United Nations official expressed support today for an initiative that would allow female soccer players to wear a headscarf, also known as a hijab, while on the field, stressing that every person should have the right to enjoy the world’s most popular sport regardless of their gender, race or religious beliefs.