Olympians champion Peace and Development in Monaco

6 | 4 | 2014

Olympians have this weekend taken part in a sports day at College Charles III in Monaco to promote and celebrate the first International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which takes place today.

Olympians from past Summer and Winter Games took part in the activities including Iranian Kaveh Mehrabi [Badminton], Sweden's Pernilla Wiberg [Alpine Skiing], and Great Britain's Paula Radcliffe [Athletics]. The athletes participated as 'Champions of Peace' and spoke to the 15 year old students about the social benefits of taking a part in sport and how sport can be harnessed as a tool for peace and development around the globe.

Following the session at College Charles III, the event moved to Stade Louis II where, in the presence of IAAF President Lamine Diack, 10 year old children were able to take part in running sessions with Paula Radcliffe.

Speaking about the event, Pernilla Wiberg, who is also a WOA Board Member, said:

"It's great to take part in this initiative and help the youngsters learn about how sport can be used as a tool to bring peace and social cohesion to communities around the world. All of the participants were very keen to listen and learn during the classroom sessions and it was great to see the younger kids embrace the running activities in the afternoon. We may even have some future Olympians amongst the group!"