The importance of partnership with various authorities in promoting the role of sport in society was highlighted on the concluding day of the First Arab Conference on Sport held in Bahrain.
Jordan’s Hashemite University associate professor Dr Moayyed Wahsha said the responsibility of promoting the role of sport in society is not limited to one side – it is an integrative process between various authorities in any nation.
The conference was organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs in cooperation with the United Nations Office in Bahrain and the International Council for Health, Physical Education, Sports and Recreation.
Dr Ashraf Sobhi of Egypt described sport as the ‘mine’, which should be rediscovered in different periods for its impact in boosting sustainable development, especially in countries that have long-term sports plans.
Shaikh Saqer bin Salman Al Khalifa, the ministry’s assistant undersecretary for youth centres, said Bahrain is aware of the role of sport in sustainable development and general policies to terminate poverty and develop citizens’ lifestyle.
“Sport is a culture, and has economic, political, social and health dimensions that can help make a big change in any nation,” said Shaikh Saqer.
More than 200 participants took part in the conference which was held at Art Rotana Amwaj Hotel in Muharraq. It was headed by Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs’ assistant undersecretary Khalid Al Haj.