A/HRC/27/58 7. The values, purposes and mission of sport in the modern globalized world are multifaceted and multidisciplinary. Sport is a multidimensional cultural activity for all as it is a physical group and leisure activity which enriches our lives.2 Sport has a broad scope: it includes physical exercise and is also a tool to improve lifestyle, provide employment opportunities, and promote peace, development, respect and anti-racism. Taken together, these elements can generate outstanding results and outcomes. If sport is used in the right way it can help build a generation and environment that is based on respect and cooperation, thereby strengthening respect for human rights3 and promoting human rights for all. 8. Sport brings new opportunities and potential for individuals, communities and States. It expands global commitments in strengthening physical, mental and emotional health, social welfare and cohesion, promoting camaraderie, physical prowess, team cooperation, solidarity, adherence to standards and rules of the game, with an emphasis on participation, equality, shared humanity, harmony and generosity, preventing to impose individual supremacy on others in cultural everyday life, leisure and sport, raising awareness and understanding of human rights. Sport and the Olympic ideal can also be a means to advance the cause of peace, promote development and combat all forms of discrimination. Sport is important in promoting human rights worldwide through interaction between different people and races. It unites many people on one issue irrespective of race, religion, and background. Discrimination could wither away with sport because sport teaches people co-operation, coordination and respect for others. In sport people from different cultures have the opportunity to work together in a team spirit. The universality of sport and Olympic ideals can educate people with regard to the values of respect, diversity, tolerance and fairness and serve as a means to combat all forms of discrimination and promote a coherent society. 9. Sport is a critical part of a strong, healthy, confident community, and is described by UNESCO as a “fundamental right for all”.4 The values of sport – including integrity, teamwork, excellence, respect, tolerance, fair play and friendship – mean that it provides an excellent context in which young people can learn and grow. Hence, the values of the Olympic Movement and human rights go hand in hand. Sport and all those involved in sport events are directly dealing with the Olympic values and are therefore key in promoting, educating and sensitizing people about the importance of these values.5 Moreover, sports should be used as channel to promote equality of education, health, gender and ethnic groups as well as to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and the environment.6 10. The right to play sport has undergone a remarkable conceptual development in recent years and now reflects a desire to conduct a healthy way of life as part of human dignity. This right is rooted in different other rights and concepts, first of all in the rights for health, participation in cultural life and development. It must be guaranteed to all, children, youth, elderly, women, the rich, the poor and people with special needs.7 It is evident that in sports competitions stakeholders cannot interfere in the winning of medals, and the fact that prizes are achieved in an individual capacity, and not as result of State interference, makes us consider the potential of the individual as a creative and dignified actor in him or herself, 2 3 4 5 6 7 4 The Charter on Human Rights in Sport. South Korea. Preamble. p. 1. Response of Bahrain. See www.un.org/wcm/content/site/sport/home/sport. Response of France. Response of China. Response of Saudi Arabia.