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| | | | Nechirvan Idris Barzani, Prime Minister, Kurdistan Regional Government
Dear guests,
On behalf of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), I would like to welcome you to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. I am pleased that the KRG Ministry of Sports and Youth (MOSY) is hosting this conference.
Following the opening conference in 2008 at the Sports Council for Wales in Cardiff, MOSY devised a sports roadmap that has been adopted by the KRG Council of Ministers. » more | | | | | | | | | Welcome by Taha Barwary, KRG Minister of Sports and Youth
I am delighted to welcome you to our second International Conference entitled 'Regional Sport, International Participation: the Role of Regions in Building a Legacy of Sporting Excellence and Participation.' I am especially pleased to welcome our foreign visitors to the Kurdistan Region where I hope to learn, share knowledge and build on our vision for a progressive, stable and secure region.
As Minister of Sports and Youth, I truly believe that the development of a robust sporting culture will play a vital role in the ongoing development of the Kurdistan Region; providing opportunities for participation in public life, building leadership skills and the confidence to succeed. » more | | | | | | | | | Wilfried Lemke, Special adviser to the UN Secretary-General on sport for development and peace
This second conference on the role of regions in using sport as a tool for social change is a commendable event that can build upon the findings of the previous meeting in Cardiff, Wales, and serve as a forum to further share experience and knowledge between constituencies. Such co-operation will undoubtedly facilitate the establishment of sustainable sporting infrastructures and promote a participatory culture of sport in society; one that is free of discriminatory barriers. » more | | | | | | | | | Gerry Sutcliffe, UK Minister for Sport
"We've all seen the power that sport has to bring people together throughout the world. Indeed, last year's visit to the Sports Council Wales by the Kurdistan Regional Government demonstrates the ability of sport to provide a common language and shared experience.
It's great to see that the Kurdistan Regional Government is taking steps towards establishing a culture of sporting excellence and participation by holding this conference in Erbil. I'm sure the conference will provide a useful platform for delegates to share learning and experiences and I hope it is a productive event for all involved." | | | | | | | | | Alun Ffred Jones, Welsh Minister for Sport
"I am pleased to hear that the Kurdish Government has invited staff from the Sports Council Wales to share their experiences of sports development in Wales, following on from last year's conference here in Cardiff.
I look forward to hearing about the impact of the visit on developing sport in Kurdistan" | | | | | | | | | Colin Chaytors, Chief Executive of the English Federation of Disability Sport
"We commend the efforts of the Kurdistan Regional Government to engage and empower its people through sport. The KRG recognize that a strong sporting culture must be built on foundations of inclusion and broad participation, and The EFDS are pleased to be able to support these goals.
After many years of war and civil conflict, Kurdistan has a tragically large number of disabled young people. As a result, openness of access is particularly important in developing sporting opportunities in the region. The EFDS is delighted to be represented at this conference, and will advise the government as best we can on furthering disabled access to sport." | | | | | | | | | The British All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kurdistan Region in Iraq
Sport is a powerful tool through which societies are strengthened, individuals empowered and communities - from local to international - are brought together. For those who support a democratic, federal and pluralistic Iraq, securing a healthy and participatory sporting culture is to be encouraged and applauded at every opportunity.
For this reason the Members of the UK Parliament who make up the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kurdistan are keen to welcome and celebrate the latest in a series of international conferences dedicated to promoting regional sport and international participation, and hosted by the Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Sport and Youth.
We are delighted that members of the international sporting community are already working alongside the Kurdistan Regional Government to support this ground-breaking event taking place in the region's capital, and encourage others to join them.
In its pursuit of grassroots sports activities open to all, alongside an elite sporting excellence programme, the Kurdistan Region shows itself to be a beacon of progress and development in Iraq, and we wish this conference all success. | | | | |
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