Each April 6, we celebrate the World Day of Sport for Development and Peace worldwide. Historically, sports have played a fundamental role in societies: whether as sporting competitions, physical activities, or simply in the form of games. Beyond this, it is a key component for the development of environments where solidarity, tolerance, cooperation, health, and inclusion prevail.
Indeed, sport is a fundamental tool and fundamental right with the power to change the world. And in the process, strengthen social connections and foster sustainable development and comprehensive social well-being. Today, we recognize that sport is increasingly helping to achieve these goals.
In fact, in the Declaration of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is stated that “Sport is also an important enabler of sustainable development. We recognize the growing contribution of sport to development and peace in terms of its promotion of tolerance and respect and those it brings to the empowerment of women and youth, both at the individual and community levels, as well as to health, education, and social inclusion.”
With all this said, on a personal level, this day is near and dear to my heart. For many years, I have contributed to the development of sports through the support and sponsorship of Club Deportivo el Hatillo, in Caracas, Venezuela. I have always believed that sport promotes the inclusion of diverse cultures and favors the growth of children and young people, which is why I consider it essential for the design of a fair and tolerant society.
Now, given the physically distant times we live in due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I see its role in society as even more vital. Not only does it help people of all ages stay physically active, but it also contributes to their emotional well-being, even from home confinement. The World Health Organization, for example, advises “at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of high-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both.”
It is time to raise awareness as a society about the benefits of physical activity and encourage its development. When we evaluate all the positive factors it brings and when these are maximized, its impact is greater. Its ability to promote integral citizenship values, in addition to improving the quality of life of people. On the occasion of this day, I call for the promotion of mechanisms that integrate sport as an instrument to build peace and promote the sustainable development of our societies.
Owner of several companies in the energy and mining sector, and inventor of the design and engineering of the Super Matroid Heater and Ultra Filtration Systems for the oil and gas industries.
