The minister of youth and sports development Mr Sunday Dare has urged Nigerian athletes to keep hope alive on the occasion of the International  Day of Sports for Development and peace despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to Dare “On this historic day of the celebration  of the United Nations  International  Day of  Sports  Development  and peace which is celebrated soberly  due to the Covid-19 scourge, I urge all our sportsmen and women to remain steadfast, strong and  to keep hope alive. As athletes, you remain the beacon of hope to unite Nigerians to commemorate the United Nations International  Day of Sports  and Peace.

“You must use sports to foster peace, unity and lend support to those that are  down. As sportsmen and women, you have an obligation to take up the symbolic role of lifting the spirit  of our fellow country men and women. Despite  the experience  the world  is going through, we must not allow our spirit of unity, love, care for each other to wane. In our little corners, let us celebrate by getting active  through  exercises in our homes, a walk in the park and encouraging  each other to stay safe. When we stay together, we win together.  In the spirit  of sportsmanship, we must never  give up the fight against  the spread   of  covid-19. This fleeting, sober moment  for sports , business, social, and  economic  meltdown  will pass and we shall emerge victorious.”

The minister affirmed  that “Sports remains  the most powerful  tool that unites the world  during peace and war, and this experience  would  only strengthen  our resolve to win always. Sports fosters peace and unity, it breaks all human barriers and promotes healthy  living. As we seek to overcome  this pandemic, let us encourage those  that have caught the virus to be strong and resolute. Together we shall overcome.  I encourage every Nigerian not to allow their spirit  to be dampened,but use the occasion  of the International  Day of Sports  and Peace  to spread the message  of peace through  sports.”

Dare further said, “Despite the sobering moment, the world will always celebrate the advent of the modern Olympics which coincides with the world sports Day. Sports can be used to drive change, unite the world and keep hope alive even in challenging times like this. We must not be discouraged or disillusioned, but sustain the fight against the spread of the virus. When we have conquered, we shall celebrate through the vehicle of sports. My message is that we must not give up.”

The United Nations had  on August  23rd proclaimed  April 6th of every year as the International  Day  of Sports  and Peace in commemoration  of the opening  date of the modern Olympics  which started in Athens in 1896. This year is being celebrated without the usual fanfare due to the Covid-19 scourge.

The United Nations has urged everyone to mark the occasion with increased  awareness  about  the  Covid-19  pandemic  and how to stay safe.