Mexican sport commemorates International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 

On August 19, 2013, the General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously proclaimed April 6th as the “International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.”

Since then, this has become a special day that presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role of sport and physical activity in communities around the world.

Sport has the power to change the world. It a fundamental right and a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development and peace, as well as solidarity and respect for all.

Since 2013, the World Boxing Council and other sports organizations based in Mexico, have joined this celebration, becoming major protagonists worldwide with the firm objective of promoting the potential of sport in social change, community development, encouraging equity and inclusion and to foster peace and understanding among individuals, communities plus nations.

One of these great promoters has been Daniel Aceves, president of the Mexican Olympic Committee, who has done a great job promoting this campaign, but who has also put into practice various initiatives to spread the sport throughout Mexican society.

 For this reason, today, on what was an unforgettable day for Mexican sports, the Chamber of Senators of Mexico offered recognition to all those who have made efforts towards the “ International Day of Sport for Development and Peace “.

The president of the Political Coordination Board, Ricardo Monreal Ávila, stressed that the collaboration between the sports community and the Senate represents a determining factor to improve the living conditions of the population and the future of the country.

“Sport is the best way to face the challenges against violence, poverty and inequality,” he emphasized.

Monreal Ávila and the president of the Board of Directors, Olga Sánchez Cordero, presented awards to the Olympic medalists Fernando Platas, Joel Sánchez and Carlos Mercenario, as well as to Atlantis, representative of the World Wrestling Council. 

In addition, they recognized the efforts to promote sport by Mauricio Sulaimán Saldivar, President of the World Boxing Council; Daniel Aceves Villagrán, president of the Mexican Olympic Committee; Liliana Suárez Carreño, president of the Mexican Paralympic Committee; and Alejandro Barrón, from the sports diplomacy of the United States Embassy.

 The President of the World Boxing Council and president of the Mexican Profesional Sports Council, Mauricio Sulaimán Saldívar, expressed his gratitude, commenting that sport is a fundamental tool for changing people’s lives, and can be a great ally of society in addressing needs as well as problems. 

“I feel very proud to be here with all of you united by sport. The UN created this movement and has brought us all together. This is a wonderful movement that has been promoted by our leader, Daniel Aceves. All sports in Mexico have joined: baseball with Horacio de la Vega, soccer, under the leadership of Yon de Luisa, basketball, wrestling…everyone has joined to give a message of Peace.

“We are all in a ring and  we have to be like boxers, who at the end of their fights, hug each other and recognize each other, becoming friends for life. Sport gives an outlet. Our boys and girls are in complicated environments, but sport is an ally to put an end to these practices.

“Having my champions here with me is something that makes me so proud. The athlete, the boxer, is the most noble person that exists. They change their lives for one of sacrifice, of great dedication and determination. I appreciate your support and commitment to create opportunities for our youth and be an example of what can be achieved through discipline, commitment and empathy.” 

Mauricio Sulaimán also presented a recognition to the president of the Political Coordination Board, Ricardo Monreal Ávila, for his support for this initiative.

To close this memorable event, the general director of the Harp Helú Foundation for Sports, Daniel Aceves Villagrán, made six proposals with the purpose of improving the conditions of athletes and the health of Mexicans, among which are the shielding of resources to federal, municipal and state level for this sector; create an Advisory Council made up of the public and private sectors; and a census of facilities, among others. 

Great World champions attended this event: Lupe Pintor, Pipino Cuevas, Juan Hernández, Lourdes Juárez, Jessica González, Mariana Juárez and Humberto “Chiquita” González.