Rhodes’ Peace & Sport Forum Promotes Tolerance and Respect

More than 350 delegates from the fields of politics, sports and the private sector explored ways to tap into sport as a means of securing peace and social cohesion during the Peace and Sport Regional Forum, held last week on the Greek island of Rhodes.

Co-organized by the South Aegean Region and the Peace and Sport Organization, the event, titled “Societies in Motion: Rising Up Through Sport”, was hosted at the five-star Rodos Palace Hotel and brought together participants from 50 countries.

The event’s three sections focused on local and international initiatives in the Mediterranean which aim to tap into sport as a vehicle for tolerance, respect, sharing and citizenship.

Football player Christian Karembeu; South Aegean Governor George Chatzimarkos; former basketball champion Nikos Galis; Peace and Sport founder Joël Bouzou.

Nobel Peace Prize winner (2015) Ouided Bouchamaoui discussed ways sport can help in community building, networking and co-operation among societies. Other speakers included Greek Paralympian Michail Seitis, and footballer Christian Karembeu, who explored the role of sport in creating peaceful communities, networks and regional cooperation; cities as a hub of innovation and social inclusion; the human factor for social and economic development.

Greek football legend Nikos Galis spoke about using sport as a source of inspiration and motivation for the younger generations.

The event’s roundtable brought together nine sports ministries and four top world sports organizations, including the Olympic Committee, the Jordan Basketball Federation and FITEQ (Fédération Internationale de Teqball).

“The international community’s confidence is reflected in the decision to hold the forum on Rhodes, impacting both the island and the country. The message sent out of Rhodes is that nothing big can come from inertia. Triumph is all about taking action, moving forward,” said South Aegean Governor George Hatzimarkos.

As part of the Rhodes’ Peace and Sport Regional Forum 2018, eight organizations and figures who have excelled in their contribution to peace, dialogue and social change through sport, were awarded.

Founded in 2007 by modern pentathlon Olympic medallist Joël Bouzou, Peace and Sport is an independent organization that uses sport and its values as an incentive for peace.

Aegean Airlines was the official partner and the official airline of the Peace and Sport Regional Forum.