Unicef Uganda

STATEMENT ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Mr. Chulho Hyun, Chief of Communication, UNICEF Uganda Country Office Welcome Ceremony for The Kids League (TKL) upon their Return from Denmark UNICEF Office, Kampala 14 September, 2009

Mr. Trevor Dudley, Director, The Kids League Media Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and girls of The Kids League.

My duty this afternoon is very simple. It is to warmly welcoming our dear children back from Denmark, and to congratulate you on behalf of UNICEF, upon a successful tour. How exciting it is that boys and girls from Karamoja can go all the way to Denmark to meet and interact with Danish children of their age because they have one thing in common – sports. It is strong evidence of the power of sports to bring children together - regardless of their situation or background. It is also a good example of the fact that all children are entitled to the same rights. In particular, all children have the right to play and participation in sports and recreational activities provide structured ways in which children can access this right. For this reason, children’s right to play is enshrined in Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, an international treaty that Uganda ratified in 1990. UNICEF recognises the power of sports as a tool capable of yielding a range of benefits for children and child-related advocacy. Sports and recreation not only contribute to the physical fitness and mental wellbeing of children, but also promote meaningful child participation and impart critical life skills through fun activities that children enjoy. Sports and play promote teamwork, tolerance and conflict-resolution skills among children; they help them build resilience, confidence and self esteem. Not least, sports create and provide positive and often powerful role models whose achievements often inspire children to aspire for a better future. I am happy to recognize the ten, young role models here with us. This is why today, as we celebrate the achievements of your tour in Denmark, UNICEF applauds TKL’s spirit of commitment to children’s right to play. We are reminded by you – the boys and girls of Karamoja – about the role sports can play in creating safe spaces where children can be supported to participate freely and meaningfully, and to learn life skills that will in turn contribute to promoting peaceful development in the region. We are mindful of the forum sports provides to empower children to freely interact, debate, and discuss issues that affect them, be it in the areas of health, HIV/AIDS, education, child protection and participation. We are also reminded of the power of sports to attract children to schools and centres of learning, and to help keep them there until they finish their schooling. The visit may be over. But, our dear children, the work you have as progressively responsible members of your communities and future leaders, has only just begun. I would encourage you to take home your experiences and memories from the week in Denmark, and continue to spread the knowledge with your friends, teachers and families. You have such an important role to play.

Once again, congratulations, boys and girls of TKL, upon your successful goodwill tour in Denmark. You are an inspiration to the boys and girls of Karamoja, and the rest of Uganda. Thank you. ###

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