An initiative implemented by the Youth and Sports Ministry earlier this year was announced the “April6 Initiative of the Year”, topping 781 initiatives launched by many organisations and institutions all over the world marking the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP).
The “1,000 Steps for Peace” event, the winning initiative, was launched by the Representative of HM the King for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Affairs Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and implemented by the Youth Ministry on IDSDP, marking annually on April 6.
It was massively attended by the citizens, residents, in addition to diplomatic corps, as well as government and private institutions, due to its distinguished goals and role in consolidating the role of sports in achieving peace.
Assistant Undersecretary for Planning and Promotion at the Youth Ministry, Wafa Al-Emadi, was handed over the award during the annual Peace and Sport Awards ceremony, held
recently in the Island of Rhodes, Greece, under the patronage of Greek President, and in the presence of major decision-makers from 45 countries, sports stars and international personalities interested in global peace from the five continents.
Youth and Sports Affairs Minister, Hisham bin Mohammed Al-Jowdar, said Bahrain’s success in clinching the first place as the launchers of the “April6 Initiative of the Year” confirms the kingdom’s interest in making peace in the world in accordance with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on promoting global peace, the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and the interest of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
He stressed that HH Shaikh Nasser, through the “1000 Steps for Peace” initiative, was able to harness sports to serve peace and to mobilise the world to adopt similar initiatives that dedicate sports in the service of peace.
The minister affirmed that the initiative came first following its success in gathering more than 5,000 people to celebrate April6 and to raise funds to build a football field in the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan.
Al-Jowdar expressed sincere thanks to HH Shaikh Nasser for launching pioneering initiatives at the international level, as well as for his constant support for the Youth Ministry’s efforts, paying tribute for the event organisers for their successful efforts.