Kofi Annan's Special Adviser Sends Support to Homeless World Cup
Mr. Adolf Ogi, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace, sends his congratulations to the organizers and the hosts of the Homeless Streetsoccer World Cup in Cape Town.
Mr. Ogi endorsed the Homeless World Cup from the beginning on and is himself impressed by the strong message the event spreads against social exclusion. He also stressed that he particularly appreciated the efforts in order to generate a sustainable impact in follow-up to the Homeless World Cup.
He also said, “The Homeless World Cup, especially through its capacity to attract media attention, is an outstanding example of how the positive potential of sport can play a vital role in promoting health, education, development and peace. Like many other events, projects and initiatives, which take place all over the world without being noticed by the broad public, the Homeless World Cup uses sport as an innovative instrument to build bridges between people, to overcome cultural differences and to spread an atmosphere of tolerance.”
Mr. Ogi expressed hope that, in view ot the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the event would inspire all stakeholders in South Africa to initiate and further support projects using sport as a tool for development and peace.
In his capacity, Mr. Ogi represents the Secretary-General in contacts with international sports bodies, at sport conferences and at major sporting events. He also helps to enlarge and enhance the already dense network of relations between the world of sports (athletes, international sports federations, the IOC, NGOs and the sports industry). Mr. Ogi`s Geneva-based office was represented by his assistant Baptiste Planche at the Homeless World Cup.
