Sport and Health Bulletin

Sport and Health Bulletin Daily update on the International Conference on Sport and Health Hammamet, Tunisia, 21 -24 March 2005 held in conjunction with the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005 The conference is held under the patronage of His Excellency Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, President of Tunisia, and organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Physical Education with the collaboration of the United Nations Sport, Health and Ethics March 24 – The impact of Sport on Health and the importance of ethical conduct for the preservation and promotion of its values were extensively presented in yesterday’s sessions. All interventions stressed the need for in clusive engagement in promoting physical activities for all following early childhood and the importance of coherent and multidimensional national strategies on sport to be implemented at regional and local levels. Need for a strategic approach to Sport and Health Mr. Jiri Dvorak (FIFA) referred to the football’s role as health enhancing leisure activity while introducing the FIFA Medical Assessment and Research centre (F -MARC) and its contributions in dealing with the various medical problems inherent to football. Prof. Becky Lankenau (CDC Atlanta) presented the global perspectives for the promotion and policy in physical activity and a 6 step policy framework which also responds to the complementary to physical activity issues of healthy nutrition, urba n safety, tobacco control, environmental issues and transportation. Mr. Hamadi Benaziza (WHO) presented the WHO ‘Move for Health’ initiative (www.who.int/moveforhealth ), while underlining national responsibility for health promotion through physical activity. To this purpose he gave examples of countries, to be followed by the developing world, with national plans and targets formed after extensive inter -sectoral consultations. The importance of cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary cooperation, in the current times of increasing specialization, towards an effective promotion of Sport and Health at the international, national and local levels was further highlighted by Prof. Gudrun Doll Tepper (ICSSPE). Prof . Diane Jones -Palm (WHO) presented her experience in two Arab nations in forming appropriate, responsive and inclusive national strategies on promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles while bridging cultural, economic and social barriers. The imp act of physical activity on health Prof. Habiba B. Romdhane (INSP, Tunis) presented the Tunisian case of preventing cardiovascular diseases through sport. She insisted that the main causes of heart diseases can be influenced positively by physical activity . Her presentation was further enhanced by the analysis of Prof. Ali Belhani (Charles Nicolles Hospital, Tunis) on the risks and benefits of sports in relation to coronary disease, who underscored the contribution of doctors’ ignorance and limited dissemin ation of scientific proof on the fear of people recuperating from coronary diseases to be physically active. Prof. Andrew Hills (ASSO, Australia) presented Obesity, -‘a global epidemic and one of the most neglected public health problems’ - its causes and efficient ways of preventing it through regular physical activity. Mr. Ali Harzallah (Arab Union of Sports for Special Groups) emphasized the positive impacts of sports on the physical condition, psychology, intellectual capacities and communication compet encies of the disabled. Anti-doping initiatives Prof. Jiri Dvorak (FIFA) analysed FIFA’s strategy for the fight against doping, the extent of doping in football and FIFA network of doping control coordinators, while Dr. Alain Garnier (WADA) elaborated f urther on the topic of anti-doping through his presentation on the strategies, standards and results of WADA on the creation and improvement of various anti doping tests, as well as on its upcoming strategy against genetic doping. M. J.M. Vilotte (Ministry of Youth and Sport, France) discussed the recent legislative improvements in the fight against doping in France. Prof. Michel Rieu (CPLD) presented the limits of actual screening and the challenges of tomorrow given the new doping methods available throug h the technological progress in genetics. Sport and general ethical conduct Dr Alain Garnier analysed the benefits and risks of physical activity for children. Acknowledging sport’s multi -dimensional contribution to the well -being of children, Mr Garni er stressed the need of balance between the children’s proper capacities and expectations of achievement, in order to protect their physical and mental health. Ms. Katia Mascagni (IOC) made the case of women in sport, gender equality and concluded that women should make the best use of the IYSPE 2005. Mr. Stanislas Frossard (Council of Europe) presented the European Convention against violence during sport events and its recommendations, which have put into perspective the phenomenon of hooliganism in Europ e after the disastrous match of 29 May 1985 between Juventus and Liverpool which cost the lives of 39 spectators. Dr Eric Joussellin presented the current trends of the sports and specifically the exaggeration of physical activity in the name of increasing competition and expectations not only on the athletes in elite sports by their trainers, but also on youngsters by their parents. Published by the United Nations Office in Tunisia, the United Nations New York Office of Sport for Development and Peace, and the UN Office for the IYSPE 2005. Editors: Maria Orfanidou, Consultant, UNDP/Tunisia; Richard Leonard, Communications Specialist, UN New York Office. Advisors: Francis Dubois, Resident Coordinator, UN/Tunisia; Djibril Diallo, Director of the UN New York Office on Sport for Development and Peace, Michael Kleiner, Head of UN Office IYSPE 2005; Aida Robbana, Advisor, UN/Tunisia. For more information please visit www.un.org/sport2005 or contact: aida.robbana@undp.org or richard.leonard@undp.org Sport and Health Bulletin Daily update on the International Conference on Sport and Health Hammamet, Tunisia, 21 -24 March 2005 held in conjunction with the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005 The conference is held under the patronage of His Excellency Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, President of Tunisia, and organized by the Minis try of Youth, Sport, and Physical Education with the collaboration of the United Nations Sport: Ethics, Health and Quality of Life March 23 – The three key themes of ‘Sport and ethics’, ‘Promotion of health by sport’ and ‘Sport and quality of life’ were presented at the opening of yesterday’s session and were the focus of discussions t hroughout the day. Participants agreed on the importance of political involvement and support in integrating sport into all aspects of health promotion and disease prevention, as well as on the underlying need to change contemporary habits and lifestyles. Presentation of the key themes – Mr. Richard Pound, Chairman of the World Anti -Doping Agency, discussed the importance of ethics in sports and highlighted the disastrous effects of cheating in general, and doping in particular, on the principal valu es of sports, the morale and health of the athletes, and on individual and social integrity. “Wrong is wrong even if everybody is doing it and right is right even if nobody is doing it,” he concluded. – Mr. Wataru Iwamo, Director of Secondary Education an d Vocational Training at UNESCO, presented the notion of quality of life and underlined its social aspects, referring to the UNESCO report ‘Treasure Within’. He called for action to end the marginalisation of physical activities and cited the International Anti-Doping Convention, to be ratified next October. – Mr. Ibrahim Abderahim, Head Representative of WHO in Tunis, emphasized the increasing number of deaths caused by non-communicable diseases worldwide, and especially in developing countries. Two milli on deaths are the direct result of physical inactivity – a new public health challenge and sad reality for 60% of the world’s population. He urged promotion of 30 minutes of daily, uninterrupted physical activity to gain most health benefits. The WHO globa l strategy for diet and physical activity aims to raise awareness and build alliances to achieve the full potential of sport for improving health. – Mr. Francis Dubois, UN Resident Coordinator, underscored the importance of access to sport infrastructure and physical activity for fostering development during the present time of mounting internal conflicts and international tensions. Defining Sport and Quality of Life (QoL) – Prof. Ali Ben Khedher of the Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, gave an overview of the multi- dimensional definitions of QoL and the complexity of measuring it in diversified country contexts. He concluded by proposing an International Observatory on QoL. – Prof. Mike Namee (ICSSPE) presented a philosophical approach to health, spo rt and QoL and introduced the concepts of ‘elite, serious competitive and playful sport’. He concluded that playful sport can contribute tremendously to all models of health, as it can be engaged in by those of all ages and abilities. – Prof. Michel Rieu summarised the ‘diseases of our civilisation’ as ‘physical inactivity, stress and malnutrition’. He defended elite sport, comparing it with the Formula 1 and noted that it can enhance competencies and knowledge of doctors about sport -related medicine and promote medical sport centres. Participants expressed concern about disparities between allocations by Governments for physical activities and elite sport, as well as their far greater support for physical activity for treatment rather than recreation. Promotion of Sports for a better QoL – Mr. Johann Koss, head of the NGO Right to Play, presented the principles of inclusion and sustainability to guide policies to harness the power of sport for health and development. He also announced the next meeting of the International Working Group of Governments on Policy Guidelines formulation on May 24 in New York. – Prof. Juergen Palm (TAFISA Association) described the widely-recognized “ciclovia” initiative in Bogota for promoting physical activity and life style change by reserving main roads for cyclists only once a week.. – Dr Sandra Matsudo (CELAFISCS, Colombia) presented various forms of simple physical activity and the rich agenda of AGITA MUNDO that offers cost -efficient and effective ways of promoting the m among all population groups (see: www.rafapana.org and www.agitesp.com.br ). – Mr. Guy Thibault (Ministry of Education, Leisure and Sport, Canada) described the Kino -Quèbec group and its work, particularly its study analyzing the importance of physical a ctivity for the elderly (see: www.kino-quebec.qc.ca). – Mr. Stanislas Frossard (Council of Europe) emphasized the European framework of Sports for All as the principal basis of policies for the promotion of sport s. He highlighted the need for cooperation between the public sector and associations, and the need to assess the sport system in terms of good governance. A study on the latter is under way by a special team of 20 members of the Council of Europe. In conclusion, he emphasized the need for freedom of sports associations, even if highly subsidized by the governments, and drew attention to the existing extensively centralized policies on sports. Published by the United Nations Office in Tunisia, the United Nations New York Office of Sport for Development and Pe ace, and the UN Office for the IYSPE 2005. Editors: Maria Orfanidou, Consultant, UNDP/Tunisia; Richard Leonard, Communications Specialist, UN New York Office. Advisors: Francis Dubois, Resident Coordinator, UN/Tunisia; Djibril Diallo, Director of the UN Ne w York Office on Sport for Development and Peace, Michael Kleiner, Head of UN Office IYSPE 2005; Aida Robbana, Advisor, UN/Tunisia. For more information please visit www.un.org/sport2005 or contact: aida.robbana@undp.org or richard.leonard@undp.org Sport and Health Bulletin Daily update on the International Conference on Sport and Health Hammamet, Tunisia, 21 -24 March 2005 held in conjunction with the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005 The conference is held under the patronage of His Excellency Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, President of Tunisia, and organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Physical Education with the collaboration of the United Nations Health and Sport Conference Kicks Off March 22 – Mr. Abdallah Kaâbi, Tunisia’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Physical Education, welcomed participants at the opening ceremony of the International Conference on Sport and Health in Hammamet yesterday. The meeting will examine ways in which sport contributes to promote health and progress towards reaching the Millennium Development Goals. It is the first of a series of international conferences on the key themes of the International Year of Sport and Physical Education (IYSPE 2005). Sport for all Libyian Secretary of the General Committee in charge of Sport and Youth Ali Morsi Chaeri emphasized that everyone should be able to participate in sport without discrimination, and called for solutions where access is not available. He said that equal participation in sport is a fundamental right like the other human rights. Sport should not be transformed into activities that seek only economic profit, he said, urging efforts to restore the basic values of sport and maintain their inclusive, non-discriminatory nature. Mr. Chaeri called for action to bring all people closer to sport in every city and country, enabling them to benefit from the positive impact of sport on the quality of all aspects of life. Sport essential for health Mr. Adolf Ogi, Special Advisor on Sport for Development and Peace to the UN SecretaryGeneral, congratulated Tunisia for initiating the proclamation of 2005 as the International Year of Sport and Physical Education. Sport has a direct impact on health, he said, pointing to the WHO World Annual Report 2002, which reported that 60% of deaths worldwide caused by noncommunicable diseases could be prevented by more regular physical activity. Facing the challenges of an ageing world, sport has become an essential means for improving public health, preserving mental balance and overcoming traumatic experiences. Tunisia’s perspective Mr. Kaâbi said that all countries are invited to promote the ideals of sport during 2005, and gave an overview of his Ministry’s initiatives, undertaken under the patronage of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. He highlighted the great benefits from a developed sport sector, including increased investment, new foreign investment and increased visibility in the international media. The importance of women in sports and sport for the disabled is reflected on the Presidential Plan, and is concretely enforced by, for example, offering free access to women in organized sport. The Plan also intends to reach every citizen in each municipality by the end of 2005. In conclusion, Mr. Kaâbi evoked sport’s primary ideals of peace, friendship and mutual respect among citizens and countries. Published by the United Nations Office in Tunisia, the United Nations New York Office of Sport for Development and Peace, and the UN Office for the IYSPE 2005. Editors: Maria Or fanidou, Consultant, UNDP/Tunisia; Richard Leonard, Communications Specialist, UN New York Office. Advisors: Francis Dubois, Resident Coordinator, UN/Tunisia; Djibril Diallo, Director of the UN New York Office on Sport for Development and Peace, Michael Kl einer, Head of UN Office IYSPE 2005; Aida Robbana, Advisor, UN/Tunisia. For more information please visit www.un.org/sport2005 or contact: aida.robbana@undp.org or richard.leonard@undp.org Sport and Health Bulletin Daily update on the International Conference on Sport and Health Hammamet, Tunisia, 21 -24 March 2005 held in conjunction with the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005 The conference is held under the patronage of His Excellency Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, President of Tunisia, and organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Physical Education with the collaboration of the United Nations Exploring Sport’s Vital Contributions to Health 21 March – Official Opening More than 250 participants are gathering in Hammamet to discuss the contributions of sport and physical activity to improving health, which is vital for progress towards the Millennium Development Goals. Mr. Abdallah Kaâbi, Minister of Youth, Sport and Physical Education and Mr. Adolf Ogi, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace, will address the opening session. The Tunisian Ministry of Youth, Sport and Physical Education is organizing the Conference under the plan of action for the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005 (IYSPE 2005), which encourages activities to raise awareness about sport and organize sport, cultural and scientific events for all people. Mr. Ogi will represent the Secretary-General in the framework of his mission of promoting understanding and support for the work and ideals of the United Nations by reaching out to the world of sports. 22 March – Aspects of Sport and Health The first day of the Conference will begin with presentations by the President of the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA), Mr. Richard Pound, and representatives of the United Nations system, including UNESCO, WHO and UNDP. Their contributions will cover the themes ‘Sports and Ethics’, ‘Sports and Quality of Life’, ‘Sports promoting good Health’ and ‘Sports and Development’. These presentations will be followed by two sessions with participants representing organizations based in Germany, United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Brazil, Canada, United States and Tunisia. They will discuss various aspects of the theme ‘Sports and Quality of Life’, providing insight to the definition of quality of life and the key role of sport and physical activity in the lives of children and the elderly. In addition, participants will examine the role of sport as a means of promoting good health and development. The day will be marked by a symbolic run by 1,500 young boys and girls around the streets of Hammamet. 23 March – Ethics, Good Health and Beyond The second and final day of activities will include two sessions on ‘Sports promoting good Health’ and ‘Sports and Ethics’. Representatives of internationally recognized organizations and institutions will present their perspectives on policies to promote physical activity and the endorsement of sports for good health. They will discuss the ways that sport can help prevent obesity and non-communicable and cardiovascular diseases, while offering an excellent mean of social integration for the disabled. Other themes that will be examined include the impact of sports on violence, its role in combating HIV/AIDS and in promoting gender equality, and the implications of doping. 24 March – Code of Good Conduct The final day of the Conference will include presentations summarizing the main themes, and the formation of a committee to prepare a Code of Good Conduct on sport and health. The Code is to be presented at the Conference on Sport and Development in Magglingen, Switzerland, on 4-6 December, culminating the International Year of Sport and Physical Education. Published by the United Nations Office in Tunisia, the United Nations New York Office of Sport for Development and Peace, and the UN Office for the IYSPE 2005. Editors: Maria Orfanidou, Consultant, UNDP/Tunisia; Richard Leonard, Communications Specialist, UN New York Office. Advisors: Francis Dubois, Resident Coordinator, UN/Tunisia; Djibril Diallo, Director of the UN New York Office on Sport for Development and Peace, Michael Kleiner, Head of UN Office IYSPE 2005; Aida Robbana, Advisor, UN/Tunisia. For more information please visit www.un.org/sport2005 or contact: aida.robbana@undp.org or richard.leonard@undp.org International Conference on Sport and Health 21 - 24 March 2005, Hammamet, Tunisia held in conjunction with the International Year of Sport and Physical Education (IYSPE 2005) The conference is held under the patronage of His Excellency Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, President of Tunisia, and organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Physical Education with the collaboration of the United Nations Provisional Program 21 st March 2005 18h 00 : Official opening Address by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Physical Education (Tunisia) Address by Mr Adolf Ogi Special Adviser of the Secretary General of the United Nations for the Sport at Service of the Development and peace. 22nd March 2005 9h 00 - 10h 30 : Presentation of the topics Sport and ethics Sport and quality of life Promotion of health by sport Mr Richard Pound – chairman AMA UNESCO WHO 11h 00 - 13h : 1st meeting - Topic "I" : Sport and quality of life President of the meeting : Prof. Gudrun Doll Tepper (ICSSPE- Germany) Moderator : Prof. Taoufik Nacef (CNMSS - Tunisia) Rapporteur : Introduction and definition: What is the quality of life? What are the measuring instruments? Prof. Ali Ben Khedher (CNMSS Tunisia) Health, sport and the quality of life : some philosophical considerations Prof. Mike Mc Namee (ICSSPE - England) Promotion and strategy for the development of sport in society Prof. Michel Rieu (CPLD - France) Move for Health Mr Robert Beaglehole (WHO Department of promotion of Health - Switzerland) 15h 00 – 18h 00 : 2 nd meeting – Topic “I” Sport and quality of life The development by sport Ms Mary Harvey (Director of Development Department. FIFA) Harnessing the power of sport for health and develop ment : civil society in action Mr Johann Koss (Prsident of Right To Play) Social relations as a key factor in physical activity Prof. Jurgen Palm (President of TAFISA) Physical activity promotion : the experience of AGITA MUNDO network Dr Sandra Matsudo (General Director of CELAFISCS - Brazil) Sport and physical activity and quality of elderly’s life Mr Guy Thibault (Research Adviser. Department of Sport and Physical Activity - Quebec) 23th March 2005 9h 00 – 9h 20 : 3 rd meeting - Topic "I" Sport and quality of life Football as a health enhancing leisure activity Prof. Jiri Dvorak (Médical Director. FIFA - Swiss) 9h 20 – 13h 00 : 1 st meeting - Topic "II" Promotion of health by the sport President : Prof. Rachid Mechmech (Medicine Faculty of Tunis – Tunisia) Moderator : Rapporteur : Global perspectives for the promotion of physical activity policies Prof. Becky Lankenau CDC – Atlanta) Health promotion and Sport – An International perspective Prof. Gudrun Doll-Tepper (ICSSPE – Germany) Sport and primary prevention of non transmissible diseases Prof. Habiba Ben Romdhane (INSP- Tunisia), Sport and secondary and tertiary prevention of non transmissible dise ases Prof. Ali Belhani (Medicine Faculty of Tunis - Tunisia) Crafting a national plan for physical activity as cardiovascular disease prevention – Experiences in two countries. Dr Diane Jones Palm (CDC – Atlanta) Sport and obesity Prof. Andrew Hills (Australia) The sport, as a means for the social integration of people with disabilities Mr Ali Harzallah and Dr Halim Jebali (Sport Handicapped Tunisian Federation) 15h 00 – 18h 00 : 1 ST meeting - Topic "III" Sport and ethics President : Prof. Michel Rieu (CPLD – France) Regulators : Rapporteur : Global fight against doping : - FIFA’s strategy for the fight against doping Prof. Jiri Dvorak and Prof. Michel D’Hooghe (President of Medical commission - FIFA) - Fight against doping, limits of actual screening : present and future Prof. Michel Rieu (CPLD – France) - The fight against doping. AMA’s missions and strategies Dr Alain Garnier (AMA - Canada) Principles of good governance in sport Stanislas Frossard (Council of Europe - France) The child’s physical activity : between benefices and risks Dr Alain Garnier (AMA - Canada) Gender equality in sport and in the Olympic Movement Mrs Katia Mascagni (IOC - Switzerland) Sport and AIDS Mr Oussama Tawil (Egypt) Sport and violence Mr Stanislas Frossard (the Council of Europe - France) Current drifts of the sport Dr Eric Joussellin (INSEP – France) 24th March 2005 9h 00 – 13h 00 : Reading and approval of the various reports Reading and approval of the general report Draft code of good behaviour 13h 00 Official closing For further information please contact: Michael Kleiner (mkleiner@unog.ch), Office for the International Year of Sport and Physical Education, Geneva; Aida Rubbana (aida.rubbana@undp.org), UNDP/Tunisia; or Richard Leonard ( richard.leonard@undp.org), UN New York Office of Sport for Development and Peace