The “World Kids’ Sports Summit” being held near Tokyo attracted young people from all over the world. The event was created as a forum to promote friendship, peace and a happier future for all through sports, said a Tokyo 2016 press release.
More than 900 people participating in the Yokohama Summit were welcomed on their arrival by a message from International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge.
The young people began conducting Internet conferences in June to collaborate on a unified message to share with the world at the end of the summit, resulting in the World Kids’ Sports Yokohama Declaration.
Dr. Ichiro Kono, Chair and CEO of Tokyo 2016 said, “it is an inspiration to see young people from around the world take the initiative to encourage positive action through sport. That is certainly key to Tokyo’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where one of our clear commitments is to see a sustained increase in the numbers of people enjoying sport globally in partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.
“If we win the right to host the 2016 Games we will connect youth worldwide with sport through the most comprehensive youth outreach program ever seen.
“At the same time, by setting the best possible stage for athletes, they will become global heroes in Tokyo, and a source of young athletes and sports enthusiasts everywhere”.
