UNICEF, Sports Ministry team up to get Upper Egypt girls practice sports

UNICEF, Sports Ministry team up to get Upper Egypt girls practice sports
By Marwa Nassar - -

UNICEF and the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports recommitted to work towards children rights and children wellbeing during a celebration marking  the World Children’s Day and the 31st anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child.

Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, noted that “this year’s celebration of the World Children’s Day comes in the midst of the global crisis of the Coronavirus pandemic which has affected the economy, education, health and protection of children and youth.”

Dr. Ashraf Sobhi added, “we are happy to cooperate with UNICEF, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports provides the best opportunities for children and youth through the programs implemented in partnership with UNICEF. These programs include, the Sports for Development program which has offered the opportunity for girls, especially those from Upper Egypt to practice sports and make it a way of life; as well as, the Meshwari program which aims to train youth and develop their skills through training.”  

 “We agreed with UNICEF to develop a strategy for sports development programs in Egypt. The Ministry is working to make children, adolescents and youth the focus of our attention to ensure a better future for them”, concluded Dr. Sobhi.

The celebration took place in the Olympic Center in Maadi and was attended by Dr Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth & Sports, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, Mr. Jeremy Hopkins, and Representatives from the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, and with the participation of several sports figures.

“On the occasion of the World Children’s Day celebrations, we come together to recommit to work towards children rights and children wellbeing. It’s crucial for UNICEF to support the children and youth’s right to life, survival and development, to empower them and encourage their participation and voices”, said Mr Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt.

During the celebration, Dr Sobhi and Mr. Hopkins engaged with children as both officials had the opportunity to discuss and listen to the participating children, and to send a clear message that access to sports in all its forms is also a right for every child.    

“UNICEF is happy to extend its full support to the Ministry’s plan to develop a comprehensive National Strategy for “Sports for Development” while work continues to expand the ongoing program in more areas as well as expanding the number of children and adolescents participating in it”, added Mr Hopkins. 

In addition, the celebration witnessed activities for children, including the differently abled, children on the move, engaging with sports figures and athletes.

Playing is not only a child’s inalienable right – it also influences physical, socio-emotional and cognitive development. The right to play is protected by Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.  For these reasons, UNICEF continues to champion this right as fundamental to the health and growth of children everywhere.

 

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