Empowering Peace Through Sport: A Look at the Legacy of Peace and Sport International
Peace and Sport International, a leading global organization dedicated to harnessing the power of sport for peacebuilding, is celebrating its 17th anniversary.
Founder Joël Bouzou reflects on the organization’s journey, highlighting moments of impact and challenges faced. While acknowledging sport’s ability to transcend borders and unite people, Bouzou stresses the need for greater recognition of sport as an impactful tool for peace.
“At the start, it was only an idea, a shared conviction,” reflects Bouzou. “We didn’t know where the project would take us, but the idea was clear – to demonstrate the tangible impact sport can have in promoting peace.”
Bouzou believes that peace cannot be simply defined as the absence of war; it requires constant effort, dialogue, and a shared sense of community. “We need to look at peace differently,” Bouzou explains. “It’s a balance that requires constant maintenance, a dialogue that transcends differences.
Sport, with its universal appeal and ingrained sense of camaraderie, provides a unique platform for this dialogue.”
Witnessing the Power of Sport Firsthand
Bouzou vividly recounts a particularly memorable moment that solidified his belief in sport’s potential.
About 10 years ago, amidst the uncertainties of the Great Lakes region, the Friendship Games brought together children from Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a poignant display of healing, children spontaneously broke into song in a border area.
Bouzou recalls, “They were singing about their newfound sense of unity. It was an improvised song, yet it spoke volumes about the power of sport to connect people who were once divided. That moment strongly resonated with me.”
This unwavering belief in the ability of sport to impact communities drives the core mission of Peace and Sport.
But it’s not simply about playing games. Recognizing that athletes often possess a unique platform to advocate for peace, Peace and Sport empowers them to use their voices effectively.
“They already possess a voice, but sometimes it needs refining to be used effectively. We help them amplify their message, ensuring it serves a clear purpose regardless of their level of experience.”
Bouzou shares, quoting the organization’s motto:
“The right to participate in sport is merit and not a passport.”
He emphasizes that sport should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or geopolitical context.
While acknowledging the inherent connection between sport and politics, Bouzou believes that the connection should be seen as natural and:
“If everything is political, then sport can be too. It has often been used to showcase ideologies, but it can and should be used for peaceful endeavors. Sport is
universal, transcending political boundaries.”
He offers the example of athletes being excluded from participation based on political decisions.
“I believe it is against the spirit of the Olympic charter,” he says. “We must continue to consider sport as a tool for building understanding and promoting peace.”
The Role of Athletes in Peacebuilding
Bouzou acknowledges that athletes, especially those in the high-profile world of football, often approach political activism cautiously due to the potential backlash they may face.
He posits, “It’s not just about speaking up; it’s about doing so responsibly. We provide support to athletes who are passionate about social justice. Supporting them in navigating the complex world of communication, helping them refine their message.
“Take Vinicius Jr. and Jennifer Hermoso, for example,” he says. “They are just two examples of athletes using their platforms to speak out against discrimination. This is sport actively contributing to positive change.”
Peace and Sport’s approach emphasizes the neutrality and universality of sport as a bridge between communities, focusing on shared values and human connection.
“We see sport as a tool to bring communities together, to help them find common ground,”
Bouzou emphasizes, “Rather than focusing on division, sport promotes dialogue, focusing on the common language of sportsmanship, of understanding.”
He champions the idea that sport can and should be a greater force for peace in the
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How does Peace and Sport International ensure that sport is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or geopolitical context, and what are some of the challenges they face in doing so?
## Seeding Peace Through Sport: An Interview with Joël Bouzou
Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Joël Bouzou, the founder of Peace and Sport International, as they celebrate their 17th anniversary. Mr. Bouzou, thank you for joining us.
**It’s remarkable to witness Peace and Sport International’s journey over the past 17 years. Looking back, what would you say has been the most profound impact the organization has made?**
**Bouzou:** Thank you for having me.
It’s truly humbling to see the organization grow and witness the tangible impact it has had on communities across the globe. One particularly striking moment occurred about a decade ago during the Friendship Games in the Great Lakes region. We brought together children from Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – nations with a history of conflict. Witnessing these children, once divided, spontaneously burst into song about their newfound unity in a border area – that was a powerful testament to sport’s ability to foster dialogue and healing. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_and_Sport)]
**Your work emphasizes the profound link between sport and peace. Can you elaborate on this connection and why it is often overlooked?**
**Bouzou:** We often view peace as simply the absence of war. But I believe it’s a much more intricate and dynamic concept. It requires constant effort, ongoing dialogue, and a shared sense of community. Sport, with its universal language and inherent sense of camaraderie, provides a unique platform to nurture these elements. It allows people to connect beyond borders, cultures, and political differences, building trust and understanding.
**Peace and Sport International doesn’t only focus on organizing sporting events; it also empowers athletes to become advocates for peace. How does the organization equip athletes with the tools to make a difference?**
**Bouzou:** Absolutely. Athletes possess a powerful platform and a voice that resonates with millions. However, sometimes that voice needs refinement to be truly effective. We work with athletes, regardless of their level of experience, to help them articulate their message and channel their influence towards advocating for peace.
**You often quote the motto, “The right to participate in sport is merit and not a passport.” Could you explain the significance of this statement?**
**Bouzou:** Sport should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or geopolitical context. We strive to ensure that sport is not a privilege reserved for the elite few but a right enjoyed by all. It’s a fundamental tool for personal development, community building, and fostering global understanding.
