A/HRC/30/50 coherent, comprehensive and systematic manner. Widening the possibilities of using sport and the Olympic ideal to promote and strengthen universal respect for human rights for all requires sustained efforts based on the considerations below. 6. Sport plays a significant role in promoting human rights and represents an expanding portion of humankind engaging in sporting activity. It stands for a strong will to overcome the limitations of human abilities, a desire for self-realization aimed at cultivating our fullest potential and a way of learning communication and harmonization through fair play, among others. It is a multidimensional cultural activity for all and a physical group and leisure activity, which enriches our lives. As with any other human activity, sport is governed by human rights. The core human rights instruments therefore apply to sport like all other fields of human activity. 7. Sport has a broad scope: it includes physical exercise and is a way to improve one’s lifestyle, well-being and health. It contributes to creating employment opportunities and promoting peace, development, respect and non-discrimination. Sport therefore contributes not only to achieving economic and social progress, but also to transcending perceived differences and providing opportunities for personal development through its inherent values of respect and tolerance. In the light of these various elements, sport, if used in the right way, can help develop a generation and an environment underpinned by respect and cooperation, thereby strengthening the promotion of and respect for human rights. 8. Sport brings about new opportunities for individuals, communities and for 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, and in raising awareness and understanding of human rights. Sport is important in promoting human rights worldwide through the interactions it generates between people from different backgrounds and cultures. 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 unites a large number of people around one issue irrespective of race, gender, religion or background. Discrimination could wither away through sport because, if appropriately used, sport teaches people cooperation, coordination and respect for others, providing people from different cultures with the opportunity to work together in a team spirit. Through its universal nature, sport can instil in people the values of respect, diversity, tolerance and fairness and can serve as a means to combat all forms of discrimination. 9. The values of sport, such as integrity, teamwork, excellence, respect, tolerance, fair play and friendship, create an environment in which young people can learn and grow. Hence, respect for human rights and the values of the Olympic Charter can be pursued collaboratively. Sport and all those involved in sporting events are therefore key to promoting, educating and sensitizing people about the importance of human rights. Moreover, sport should be used as a channel to promote equal opportunities for education, health, gender and ethnic equality, and to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and the environment, among others. 10. The right to play sport has undergone a remarkable conceptual development in recent years and now reflects a desire to lead a healthy way of life with human dignity. This right is rooted in other rights and concepts, including the rights to health, participation in cultural life and development. It must be guaranteed to everyone, including children and young people, older people, women, the rich, the poor and people with disabilities, and protected from any abuses by organizers of sporting events or State interference to sport management. 4