I was one of only two young people to form part of the official UK delegation. I was joined by Amber Charles, who delivered the London 2012 Candidate File during the Bid in 2004, and is now studying and on a basketball scholarship in Tennessee.
We joined London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe, Chief Executive Paul Deighton and colleagues from the UK Mission to the UN in New York and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in the UN General Assembly for the session.
I’ve only recently found out what the Olympic Truce is, and what it stands for. However, I soon learnt that my own personal views on the Olympic and Paralympic Games mirror the key themes behind the Olympic Truce.
I have always believed and promoted the fact that the Games offer value, friendship and unity on an international scale like no other. It is a chance for people to come together from different continents, no matter who they are and where they come from. Sport is a universal language that allows people to communicate and participate with others through common interests.
The Truce reinforces this and encourages politicians and states worldwide to respect the values of the Truce, thinking about the things that unite us rather than what separates us.
The true meaning of sport
Using sport and the London 2012 Games to build stronger bonds between us can help minimise conflict. This works by setting a good example to the ‘grown up’ world – particularly during the period of the Games and hopefully afterwards too.
As an avid basketball player, I have always believed sport plays a key role in uniting people together irrespective of abilities, nature and backgrounds.
Visiting New York for the adoption of the Truce was an amazing experience. It was fantastic to witness so many influential leaders from across the world speaking proudly about sport and how their countries will be contributing to the Truce.
It’s something I will be advocating in my community to young people as the countdown to the Games continues, helping them understand and relate to the true meaning of sport.
