AGENCIES
Vatican
India’s representative at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani on Friday addressed the delegates at the ‘Sport at the service of humanity’ conference held by the Vatican in conjunction with the United Nations and the IOC here.
The conference was hosted by Pope Francis, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and IOC President Thomas Bach where over 150 world leaders participated. The discussions revolved around how sport and faith can work in tandem and improve the lives of those who need it most from different walks of life. Ambani was the only representative from India at the conference.
Addressing the delegates, Ambani spoke about the impact of sport on society and its ability to transcend differences. She also shared relevant case studies from the Reliance Foundation’s many youth focussed sports programmes, highlighting the transformational power of sport, not just for an individual but also for their community, country and the world.
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Ambani said: “I am privileged to have had the opportunity to share my experiences at the Sport at the Service of Humanity conference. Sport, I have observed over the years, has an ability to bring people together irrespective of their geography, ethnicity, religion or circumstance. Magical things happen on sports fields -- smiles and friendships bloom over wins and losses.”
“There is a strong connection today between faith and sport, not just as players and spectators but across the entire community. I have seen people from different religions, people who speak different languages, of all age groups, come together in support of a single team/player”.
“This is the extraordinary ability that sport has, to multiply the power of faith, to create human bonding, and foster positive change. I had a very enriching and insightful exchange of thoughts at the conference, seeding some very tangible ideas which I hope to implement, going forward,” she added.
