International Day of Sport for Development & Peace and Peace Project, 06.04.19, Biel/Bienne
YSP Switzerland collaborated with UPF Switzerland to organize a sports event on the United Nations’ International Day of Sport for Development & Peace. We were lucky that the sun came out as soon as we started the warm up on the Collège du Châtelet’s sports field. More than 30 people, age 2 to 75, from diverse backgrounds, took part in the different sport activities. Matanage, a Japanese game, first took place with the participation of everyone. We later on split into groups for various sports, such as, Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Taekwondo, Ping-Pong, and other. During the break, FFWPU North West director, Noëmie Komagata gave a short explanation on the role of the International Day of Sport, on the good effects of sport on our mind and body to achieve peace within oneself, as well as the achievement of harmony by playing sports together.
The peace project, “We care! Your Life Values” also took its first step on that day. While all the participants were enjoying the break, our team interviewed a few people with our “BIG Questions” we had collected until now. The answers were inspiring and everyone, including the interviewees, could take home words of wisdom. The questions enabled everyone to reflect more deeply on essential elements of life, on us as individuals, and on what we are grateful for.
Further surveys will be held on following YSP activities. It is also planned to make a video out of the recordings we made of the people who accepted to be filmed.
Out of the feedbacks we have received, it was wished by many that this event takes place annually. On this sunny day, the participants truly enjoyed taking the time to spend time together as a family, with friends, creating new bonds and strengthening existing relationships. Sport definitely is a powerful tool to break walls and barriers between individuals and has the strength to create strong bridges between people. Through sports, we contribute in creating a harmonious society!
We are looking forward to seeing you at our next activity which will take place on May 18th 2019. We will once again collaborate with UPF, and this time for the quarterly Ambassadors for Peace training and meeting.
See you soon!
Mélanie Komagata
