YST attends Iraq’s first post-war international sports conference

Friday, 8 May 2009

The Youth Sport Trust recently returned from the Kurdistan region of Iraq after being invited to address the first International Sports Conference in the war-torn country. The British delegation also included Pentathelete Kate Allenby, Paralympian Sophie Hancock and representatives from the Welsh Football Trust and the Sports Council Wales.

Whilst there, the Youth Sport Trust met with senior ministers and policy advisors from the Kurdistan regional government to share knowledge, experience and talks about working as partners on a programme to develop leadership and volunteering in schools. This would involve direct partnering between schools in England and Kurdistan.

Trevor Smith, National Development Manager for the Youth Sport Trust, who attended the conference said:

“…I know how effective sport can be in energising and inspiring young people. I also know the positive impact it can have on whole communities. The Kurdistan regional government’s goal of building a strong sporting infrastructure is an admirable one, and the Youth Sport Trust is excited to have been a part of helping them to achieve it.”

At its close, the two-day event heralded an era of new sporting opportunities for those living in the region, Taha Barwary, Kurdistan Minister for Sports and Youth, said:

”Creating sporting opportunities for all is vital to promote health and well-being in the Kurdistan region, and will help us identify and promote the next generation of Kurdistani sports stars. With the support and expertise of our friends in Britain and Iran, we have taken an important step towards developing the potential for Kurdistani athletes and teams to deliver elite performance on the international stage.”