INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SPORT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport: “Sport breaks down inherited prejudices and creates lasting bonds of friendship between individuals and peoples.”

by | Apr 2, 2021 | Intercultural and interreligious understanding, Reconciliation and co-existence | 0 comments

From the age of 17, I took part in Franco-German sports exchanges, which have profoundly changed me. The two world wars had bruised many people in their bodies and hearts, and people still bore the scars of war. 

Thus, my two grandfathers continued to maintain a form of hostility towards the German population, which influenced my perceptions. During these camps, sharing sport allowed me to build strong friendships with young German athletes that still carry on today.

  • "Sport is a fantastic vehicle that makes it possible to accept other cultures and accelerate the processes of reconciliation between peoples by overcoming prejudices and inherited hatreds; this kind of experience is notably at the origin of the creation of Peace and Sport. Through the #WhiteCard, I wish to celebrate the diversity and richness of each culture and the power of sport as a vector of reconciliation between peoples. "

  • France
Communication and Press Manager at Peace and Sport, I have 5+ years of experience in political affairs, conflict prevention and resolution, and communication. A great part of my work has been conducted in the context of conflict and transition settings.

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