President ROGGE stressed that: 'the IOC is more than ever convinced that sport plays and must play the role of catalyst in our society. Physical activity and sport have a crucial social impact which we cannot ignore, and have the duty to support. They form part of human and social development; they contribute to social cohesion, mutual tolerance and integration; and they are solid instruments for physical and socio-economic development.'
Angola: rehabilitation of amputees through sport
The IOC is supporting a pilot project in Angola which aims to rehabilitate amputees and disabled people through sport. One physiotherapist and three sports persons will be trained during three training sessions of one or two weeks on the use of sports activities as a rehabilitation tool for amputees - very often victims of antipersonnel landmines. The project is being carried out in collaboration with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Angolan government, the NOC and the National Paralympic Committee at the MINSA rehabilitation centre in Huambo. It will equip the centre's patients with adequate sports equipment and establish which athletes have development potential and can join regional and national disabled sports teams.
Albania: youth development through sport
Sport can play an essential role for young people's social and economic development. This was the outcome of a UN country team workshop, coordinated by the ILO with IOC support, on the contribution of sport to the youth of Albania. The workshop resulted in the establishment of a national network of sport and development partners. Nine areas of common interest and activities were identified. Examples of implementation are:
- sports events linked to tourism development in the region of Durrës;
- the development of educational tools for schoolchildren using sport as a vehicle;
- sport and fitness for workers so as to reduce health-related problems at work.