Sport, the unsung hero of world peace, has shone very brightly in the past 12 months. We live in a world that a time can be cynical, a world that carries the burden of pain from past generations.
Over the years sport has been used as a beacon of hope, a way of uniting two nations or groups of people who have had a turbulent past.
This was evident earlier in the year when Pakistan and India met in the sport of cricket. Two nations at constant odds with each other put in a spirited performance for the fans of both nations, after one of the games the cameras showed the squads sharing a cold drink together deep in spirited conversation, a very touching moment.
The London Olympics had many spirited moments, from the first Saudi athlete that was allowed to compete. Or Yi Shiwen the phenomenal swimmer who came under criticism for her exceptional performances in the pool received support from swimmers and coaching staff from the Japanese squad.
In October 2011, 193 UN Member nations stopped to observe the Olympic Truce individually and collectively for six weeks, starting with the opening of the XXX Olympiad this Saturday, 27 July, and ending with the closing of the XIV Paralympic Games for disabled athletes on 9 September.
The resolution asks Member States "to cooperate with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee in their efforts to use sport as a tool to promote peace, dialogue and reconciliation in areas of conflict during and beyond the Olympic and Paralympic Games period."
Josh Hinds is a school chaplain on the Gold Coast, a family man and PSI's IT professional. Josh is an experienced writer on international sport.
Josh Hinds' previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/joshua-hinds.html
