Ambassador's Speeches

Speech at the Opening Session of the Regional Workshop for Sports Journalists
December 19, 2006

(as prepared for delivery)

Representative of the Minister of Communication and New Technology,  members of the Collective for Peace and Development, members of the press,  mesdames et messieurs, it is both an honor and a privilege to join you today in this regional workshop on “Sports as a factor of social cohesion and the role of journalists in times of crisis.”

The theme which you seek to address over the next three days is of vital importance to the region, to Africa, and to the world.  While it is often the case that sports and the ways in which they are played are a simple reflection of societal values and norms, history has shown us that sport can also play an important role in bringing people together and in providing a level playing field where colors, races, religions, tribal affiliations, and other differences melt away, at least for a moment, into the beauty of a game. 

There are numerous moments in history when athletic events have helped improve social cohesion.  The oldest, and most obvious, example is that of the first Olympic games where sports and conflict resolution first converged in 776 BC.  Many believe that the first Olympics were a result of a wise king’s decision to break the cycle of conflict every four years by replacing war with friendly competition.  It is no coincidence that winners of the first Olympics were awarded a crown of olive leaves and an olive branch – objects which even today symbolize peace.

One does not, however, have to look into ancient history for examples of athletic events helping to ease social tension and conflicts.  During the most difficult moments of racial tension in my country, sport served as a way to bring different groups of people together.  Jackie Robinson’s courageous ability to break down race barriers on the baseball field helped to change the face of the United States.  Rugby also served to unify the South African people when, in 1995, President Nelson Mandela donned the jersey of South Africa’s Rugby team – long associated with South Africa’s policy of apartheid -- after their victory in the Rugby World Cup.  The sight of President Mandela embracing team captain François Pienaar, a white Afrikaner, was seen as a sign of racial reconciliation which moved hearts around the country.

Yet, for every inspiring story of the unifying potential of sports, there are very real instances of violence, mayhem, and hatred manifested on the playing field.  The recent attacks against Parisian soccer fans of minority races, the despicable behavior of certain fans with regard to African players, and the now infamous confrontation between Zinedine Zidane and Marco Materazzi are only the most recent examples of sports reflecting the worst sides of human nature.

Conflict is, unfortunately, a daily reality both on and off the sports field in many places around the world, including in West Africa.  It is therefore extremely commendable that you have gathered here in Bamako to discuss the ways in which sports journalists can help to respond in times of crisis.  Sports reporting provides you with the most precious of resources – the attention and interest of thousands, if not millions, of young people.  You, by virtue of the ways in which you craft your stories and represent ideas, have the real opportunity to shape the hearts and minds of your readers, and to do so in a way which calms tension, breaks down barriers, and reconciles warring factions.  The power of the media, particularly media dedicated to sports coverage, is undeniable, and your role in using this power wisely is critical.
 
Your responsibility as sports journalists is not only to document the plays, but to teach the public how the focus on rules, responsibility, and teamwork in sports can and should be transferred to the orderly and mutually respectful conduct of everyday life.  It is my hope that your work over the next few days will inspire and educate you on the ways in which each of you can contribute to a more peaceful society, region, and world.  Thank you for allowing the US government to support this important initiative.  I wish you the greatest success in your meetings and in your establishment of a network of West African journalists for peace and development and look forward to witnessing the fruit of your very important labor.