by Chief Development Officer- Regaugetswe Netshiozwe
[Opening Salutations]
Distinguished guests, community leaders, partners, athletes, SayPro family, and fellow champions of peace and development:
Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening—wherever you may be joining us from today.
On behalf of SayPro and as the Chief Development Officer, I am deeply honored to stand before you today, alongside so many passionate individuals who believe in the unifying power of sport. Today, we celebrate more than just games, medals, or records—we celebrate resilience, equality, unity, and peace.
[The Meaning of the Day]
The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is a powerful reminder that sport is not just a physical activity—it is a transformative force. It builds bridges between communities, fosters mutual respect, and drives social change.
It does not matter where you come from, your gender, your religion, or your economic background—when we step onto the field, we are equals. In sport, every whistle blown and every hand extended in sportsmanship echoes louder than words in the pursuit of peace.
[SayPro’s Commitment to Sport and Development]
At SayPro, we have witnessed the extraordinary role sport plays in empowering youth, enhancing education, promoting health, and rebuilding lives.
From local soccer leagues in townships to international partnerships that provide athletic scholarships—SayPro has integrated sport into our mission to uplift communities, support leadership development, and create sustainable pathways to success.
We believe in sport as a tool for healing, a medium for inclusion, and a platform for voices too often unheard.
[Empowering Youth Through Sport]
One of our most critical priorities is giving young people access—not just to sport, but to purpose.
Through our SayPro Youth Development Programmes, we work with schools, grassroots clubs, and NGOs to create safe spaces for children to play, dream, and grow. We’ve seen young girls from underserved areas gain confidence through netball. We’ve seen boys who once had no direction become coaches and mentors for the next generation.
In these moments, sport becomes a life-changer.
[Sport for Peace in a Divided World]
In a world too often divided by conflict, sport teaches us to listen. It reminds us of our shared humanity. It proves that peace is not just possible—it is achievable, one team, one match, one handshake at a time.
This year, as wars rage and divisions deepen, let us remember that the values we practice on the field—respect, teamwork, integrity—must guide us off the field too.
[A Call to Action]
So, today, I challenge each of you:
- Support a young athlete.
- Volunteer for a community sports programme.
- Use your voice to promote inclusion in sport.
- Let sport be your message for peace.
Let us not only celebrate sport today but invest in it—strategically, intentionally, and sustainably. Because every young person we reach with a ball, a baton, or a boxing glove could become the peacemaker, teacher, or leader of tomorrow.
[Closing Remarks]
To every coach, player, partner, and advocate: thank you. Your work is making the world better, safer, and more united—one goal at a time.
And to SayPro’s incredible teams and collaborators around the world—thank you for your unwavering belief in the power of sport to change lives.
Together, let us continue to run the race for peace, leap the hurdles of inequality, and pass the baton of hope to future generations.
Thank you. Kea leboga. Dankie. Asante. Merci.
#Sport4Development #PeaceThroughSport #SayProForChange
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