Sports can encourage positive and negative behaviour in society and serve as a catalyst for accountability and actions, both at elite and grassroots levels across Commonwealth countries. Therefore, the protection of athletes and individuals under 18 years old and their well-being remains a top priority. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said the matter while tabling a paper in the field of Human Rights and Inclusivity in Sports during the 10th Commonwealth Sports Ministers’ Meeting which was held hybridly via online yesterday.
With the theme, ”Creating an inclusive and resilient sports sector; Enhancing the contribution of sports to the Sustainable Development Goals’, the Commonwealth Sports Ministers’ Meeting held every two years, among others discussed ways to accelerate the implementation of key Sports for Development and Peace Policies as well as showcase innovation from Commonwealth countries to create and sustain an inclusive and resilient sports sector.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad also shared that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has implemented the National Framework Child Protection, NFCP 2020. However, concerted efforts from the ministries and stakeholders are emphasised for the protection of individuals under 18 years old. The protection contributes to the formation of a safe sporting environment and enables young athletes to perform and reach their full potential in sport.
This year’s meeting was opened by The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and chaired by The Right Honourable Nigel Huddleston MP, Minister for Sports, Tourism, Heritage, Youth and Civil Society of the United Kingdom. The meeting also discussed and adopted the statements of the ministers as a result of the deliberations and commitment of cooperation in sports policy.
Source: Radio Television Brunei