United Nations Office at Geneva, 21 September 2005 - Roger Federer of Switzerland, the world's top-ranked tennis player and Spokesperson for the International Year of Sport and Physical Education 2005 (IYSPE 2005) reviewed the commemoration of the IYSPE 2005 together with Mr. Adolf Ogi, Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Sport for Development and Peace and former President of Switzerland.
The objective of the Year is clear," said Mr. Ogi, thanking the Swiss tennis star for his support. "Sport can help us achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Sport is a universal language and teaches positive values and necessary lessons for life. The power of sport for development and peace must be recognized."
Mr.
Federer said that he had joined forces
with the sports marketing agency IMG
for reasons including a strengthening
of his philanthropic activities. Mr.
Federer presently supports the organization
IMBEWU in Port Elizabeth, in South
Africa, where children are provided
education and a hot meal daily.
Mr. Federer and Mr. Ogi, also viewed a photo exhibit for the IYSPE 2005 that opened this week at the UN's Palais des Nations.
Mr. Federer and Mr. Ogi, also recorded an announcement in support of the upcoming UN 60th Anniversary Concert "Youssou N'Dour & Friends: United Against Malaria". Their public service announcements supporting the global campaign against malaria will be shown at the concert and aired on Swiss and international television stations broadcasting the event worldwide. "One million deaths a year from malaria is unacceptable," said Mr. Ogi in his public service announcement. "That is why the sports world is mobilizing against malaria."
For
the International Year of Sport and
Physical Education visit: www.un.org/sport2005
For
further information contact:
Michael Kleiner, Office for the International
Year of Sport and Physical Education,
UN Office at Geneva: +41 22 917 25
40; mkleiner@unog.ch
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