April 6, 2014 marked the inaugural International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
Sport has the power to help develop the potential of individuals, communities and nations. It encourages personal growth, eliminating gender barriers and can build bridges across lines that might otherwise divide. Its intrinsic values such as teamwork, fairness, discipline, respect for the opponent and the rules of the games are understood all over the world can be harnessed in the advancement of solidarity, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
Marking this prestigious International day, the Ministry of Internal Affairs is hosting a “Sports Festival” to celebrate this event tomorrow, Wednesday, the 6th of April at Queen Salote Memorial Hall, from 4 – 6PM. This initiative by MIA is another step forward towards multi-sectoral partnership and has the Ministry of Health partnering with them, supported by the Government of Australia, facilitated and coordinated by TongaHealth.
Various representatives of the National Sports federation of Tonga, will have their own station to demonstrate the basic fundamentals of their sport or modified fun games for people to enjoy. Some of them will also have a demonstration of their sport and the people of Tonga are being invited to come and try sports.
The aim is to work towards effective contribution to advance sport for development and peace in Tonga.
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Issued by the: Ministry of Internal Affairs