![]() "On the physical side we know the benefits of young people, people our age, older people all engaging in sport for physical well-being. "First of all we look at the health aspects that we know sport brings. ![]() "I think sport has probably an even greater role to play, an even more important role to play in society moving forward. "Sport like every part of society has been massively impacted by COVID over the last 18 months," McConnell conceeded. McConnell went on to discuss the benefits to physical and mental health that can provided by sport, which he said had been illuminated by the pandemic. "From my side as the sports director, we tried to keep the International Federation and the athlete community involved and informed every single step of the way, telling them what we were thinking, what decisions were coming up, asking for their feedback, asking for their input, and making sure they knew exactly where we were in the planning of those Games and what it meant for them and hearing their voice every step of the way," McConnell commented. IOC Ethics Commission chair Ban Ki-moon argued "working together can drive positive change" ©Getty ImagesĪddressing the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, McConnell said the staging of the event had demonstrated the importance of "very clear frameworks" on COVID-19 countermeasures, a "focus on the sport and the athletes" and strong "communication and engagement." ![]() "We understand that there are still many challenges ahead, but no doubt, sports can embrace these challenges." "Cooperation is the key to success, and working together can drive positive change, not only in sport but in all walks of life. "We must give our admiration to the Olympic community, the IOC and IPC for putting the athletes at the heart of all their actions at the spectacular Tokyo 2020 Games. "We also have seen solidarity, determination and flexibility of the world sports community. "For the first time in modern history, the Olympic and Paralympic Games have been postponed," Ban said. Introducing the virtual session, the IOC's Ethics Commission chair and former United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon urged the sporting community to work together to overcome the continuing challenges posed by the global health crisis. More than 100 organisations are taking part in the event hosted by Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, which features a series of competitions, exhibitions and discussions aimed at increasing youth participation in sport and encouraging positive life skills and values.ĭuring today's conference session entitled "A New Normal: Moving Forward and Sport Challenges", key officials spoke of the value of sport in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. International Olympic Committee (IOC) sports director Kit McConnell claimed "sport can bring different societies together" at a local and global level on the fourth day of the United Through Sports (UTS) World Virtual Youth Festival.
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